Changes in Chicago?

A loss like the Bears suffered in week 7 is the kind that can cause a shake-up in an organization, but don't hold your breath for major coaching changes. I agree with David Haugh's assessment of the coaching situation; Lovie Smith has earned himself some wiggle room with division titles a Superbowl appearance and his exceptional record. I would guess that if the Bears consider their recent antics, Lovie could be in trouble. Due to Smith's contract situation, it makes a lot of financial sense to keep him. Unless this team completely falls apart Smith will be back in 2010; even then, McCaskey may keep him around.

So, while this kind of embarrassment is probably not enough to get Lovie fired, it is certainly enough to worry him. Smith needs to shake things up this week because it already needed to be done, and to send his team a message. Here are a few areas where changes may be on the horizon.


Offensive Line

What could happen:
Chris Williams switches to left tackle, Shaffer or Pace fill in at RT, Beekman replaces Omiyale at LG.

What should happen:
At the very least, Josh Beekman needs to be worked into the line-up. If Omiyale wasn't so awful we would probably be talking about Beekman replacing Kruetz, but we don't have that luxury. The situation  at Tackle is probably as good as it will get this season.

What will happen: (probably)
I don't see how the coaching staff can ignore offensive line woes any longer, Beekman will see the field this week.

Secondary

What could happen:
Graham, Vasher, Payne, Steltz, and Bullocks all have a shot at getting more playing time.

What should happen:
Corey Graham played decently last season. He wasn't the best in coverage, but he was a sure tackler. Graham should get the start opposite Tillman if for no other reason than to try to spark the secondary. Afalava hasn't played too bad for a rookie, but Kevin Payne played very well at Strong Safety last season; he should get another shot.

What will happen: (probably)
The staff had the right idea trying to get Vasher on the field more; they will continue to get him on the field. Tillman and Manning are locks to keep their playing time. Their is about a 50% chance of seeing Payne at SS and even less than that of Graham starting at CB.

Linebackers

What could happen:
Injuries leave the Bears thin at what was considered a position of strength in the off season. Nick Roach, Jamar Williams, and Hunter Hillenmeyer will fill the MLB and strong side LB position.

What should happen:
Hillenmeyer knows this defense best. After the past two fiascos, Lovie needs a veteran presence getting the defense aligned. Hillenmeyer should start in the middle of this defense. Roach played very well for a few weeks before the entire defense forgot how to play football; his athleticism should be used on the outside.

What will happen: (probably)
Lovie won't be trying to get cute with his thin LB corp; Hillenmeyer will be the MLB. Roach will most likely start next to him, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Williams get a shot.

Other changes that should happen:

• Greg Olsen has been disappointing. Desmond Clark has made plays and is a better blocker, he should be given his old spot atop the depth chart.
• Matt Forte has done nothing this season. (Running on the Lions is nothing) Garret Wolfe and Adrian Peterson, assuming he is healthy, should be used liberally. This will send a message and could give the running game a spark.