Future looks bright in Windy City
After finishing 1998 at 4-12, many viewed this year's 6-10 campaign as a success. Dick Jauron is not one of them. "There's not a whole lot you can say when it ends like this, except that it's not an acceptable way to end a season. We don't want to end 6-10," Jauron said. "But I think we took some steps in the right direction." The expectations in Chicago are high heading into next season. With an exciting group of young offensive players -- a list that includes Cade McNown, Marcus Robinson and Curtis Enis -- Bears fans have something to be excited about. "We're a lot closer than people may think or it may appear," defensive tackle Mike Wells said. "We're disappointed with the way the season ended, but we also see where we're going. We feel like we're coming together as a team. We have the potential for a great future." ... Running back Curtis Enis has a slightly torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. The Bears said Tuesday that Enis' rehabilitation will take two to three months. Enis, who missed the last seven games of the 1998 season after he ripped up his left knee, came back this season to run for 916 yards. He did, however, finish with a total of 1,256 yards from scrimmage, 10th best in the NFC.
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Drafting a plan
As Bears' players enjoy the playoffs on TV, management is already figuring out how to get the team there next year. Chicago, which has the ninth pick in this year's draft, has begun its preliminary search on whom to select. "It's not a real deep draft," personnel director Mark Hatley said. "I think there are going to be quite a few quality players, and obviously it'll depend on what juniors come out." A number of 1999 Bears picks saw significant time this season including QB Cade McNown, WR Marty Booker and LB Warrick Holdman.
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