NEW YORK (AP) -- Comments on the Chicago Bears by the AP Pro32 panel (ranking in parentheses):
Chris Berman (ESPN, 11) -- Bears were rolling until offensive injuries.
Clifton Brown (Sporting News, 10) -- Brian Urlacher's knee a concern, but additions of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey give offense new-and-improved flair.
Cris Collinsworth (NBC Sports, 11) -- Matt Forte healthy and happy after big new contract.
Rich Gannon (CBS Sports/SiriusXM NFL Radio, 10) -- Like changes they've made, enough to make postseason.
Bob Glauber (Newsday, 10) -- Feeling better about Bears closer we get to season. Were on 7-3 roll before Jay Cutler got hurt, so if he stays healthy, they stay close to Packers and compete for wild card spot.
Rick Gosselin (Dallas Morning News, 12) -- Rekindling Cutler-Marshall combination makes Bears dark horse Super Bowl candidate.
Clark Judge (CBSSports.com, 7) -- Bears are covered at positions that cost them playoff shot in 2011.
Ira Kaufman (Tampa Tribune, 12) -- Jay Cutler has some shiny new weapons scattered in Windy City as Chicago takes aim on Green Bay in NFC North.
Pat Kirwan (SiriusXM NFL Radio/CBSSports.com, 11) -- If Urlacher plays all 16 games then I have team in right spot. If injuries starting to catch up with him, they fall from top half of league. I like what the offense is doing and Cutler to Marshall should be good for close to 100 receptions.
John Lynch (Fox Sports, 12) -- Bears have stayed course with Lovie Smith and will reap rewards in 2012. Brandon Marshall is BEAST if he keeps himself out of trouble. Healthy Jay Cutler a must.
Alex Marvez (Foxsports.com, 13) -- Jay Cutler-Brandon Marshall reunion already feels so good for Bears. Two areas of concern: Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher's injured knee and inconsistent play of left tackle J'Marcus Webb.
Dan Pompei (Chicago Tribune, 8) -- Team needs Brian Urlacher not only to be on field, but also to be playing like he did in 2011.
