A 9-7 teams adds a quarterback, outside linebacker, aging offensive tackle, unproven guard and 0-16 coach and suddenly they’re going to the Super Bowl?  That better be some quarterback.  Without further adieu, here are the five reasons the Bears won’t win the division in 2009.

#5. They start 0-2
The Packers had an awful 2008 but it was also a season they let get away.  If the Bears were to lose to their oldest rival at Lambeau in primetime to start the season, it wouldn’t be unforgivable.  If they lost (as they’ll be predicted to do) the following week against the world champions, would this coaching staff and group of players be able to handle the subsequent fan and media pressure?

#4. Devin Hester = Mediocre Receiver
If Hester is no more than his 51-665-3 of a year ago, the team will be forced to utilize a controlled, underneath passing game that allows defenses to stack the box against the run.  Or, as one might say, the offense will look eerily similar to the offense of the last decade. 

#3. Orlando Pace Has Nothing Left
What if we learn, in the opening weeks of the season, that Pace is no longer capable of blocking the league’s elite pass rushers?  Do the Bears attempt to move Chris Williams to the left side?  Does Omiyale slide out to tackle?  Will the unit have any time to mesh?  Pace has been a great player in the league for an awful long time but he’s a risky start at one of the sport’s most important positions.

#2. The Secondary Acts Like the Secondary
Remember 2008?  Bernard Berrian uncovered up the sideline?  Matt Ryan completing the only pass that would enable a Falcons victory?  Brian Griese looking like Bob Griese?  Andre Johnson keeping the Bears from the postseason?  Yeah…so do I. 

…and of course, #1 
Lovie Smith.