I've got a quick interview for you today. Lester Wiltfong from Windy City Gridiron was nice enough to answer some questions. Continue reading on for Lester's answers to my questions.
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Jon: What were your expectations heading into the 2010 season? Did the NFC Championship appearance shock you?
Lester: I expected the Bears, Packers, and Vikings to fight it out for the NFC North title, and the Bears to have 9-11 wins. I knew Cutler would play smarter, and with the addition of Julius Peppers and a healthy Brian Urlacher, I thought the team had a legit shot at going far.
Jon: What were your expectations heading into the 2010 season? Did the NFC Championship appearance shock you?
Lester: I expected the Bears, Packers, and Vikings to fight it out for the NFC North title, and the Bears to have 9-11 wins. I knew Cutler would play smarter, and with the addition of Julius Peppers and a healthy Brian Urlacher, I thought the team had a legit shot at going far.
Jon: Many people blame Cutler for the NFCCG loss, do you count yourself as one of those people? If not, who’s fault was it?
Lester: Jay Cutler was injured early in the 2nd quarter, and he had a number of throws that he couldn't make because of his knee. He was a bit shaky before his injury, but I do not blame the loss on Cutler. I blame it on the Packers. They were a better team and they executed their game plan to perfection.
Jon: Name an MVP and LVP of the 2010 Bears. One of each for offense and defense.
Lester: Offensive MVP is Matt Forte and LVP is Brandon Manumaleuna. Forte was playing like a top tier back and Manu didn't bring the kind of dominating blocking that was promised. On defense Brian Urlacher was MVP and LVP would have to be Tommie Harris. Urlacher is critical to the success of the Tampa 2 scheme, and Harris just couldn't find his old form.
Jon: Cutler was thrown around like a rag doll early in the season. What was the cause of this improvement? Better offensive scheming? Or better talent?
Lester: The Bears changed their approach after the bye week, from a personnel standpoint and a scheme standpoint, and it helped Cutler survive the season. Both were equally as important.
Jon: What are the 2 biggest needs for the Bears in the offseason?
Lester: Offensive Line and Defensive Tackle.
Jon: What are the feelings among the Bears coaching staff and FO after the 2010 season?
Lester: They have to be feeling pretty good about themselves, losing 21-14 in the NFC Title game is a heck of a season. If they can address the line situation they will back contending in 2011.
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There you go! A nice quick interview to enjoy with your afternoon snack. I would like to thank Lester Wiltfong for taking the time from his busy schedule to answer all my questions. And for more on the Bears, please check out Windy City Gridiron.