1999 record: 6-10, fifth in the NFC Central.

Last five years: 30-50.

Coach: Dick Jauron (6-10 in one year with the Bears).

Playoff past: The Bears are beginning to recover from the damage of the Dave Wannstedt era. The Bears have been in the playoffs once since the 1990 season. That was in 1994, Wannstedt's second year. The benchmark since the NFL/AFL merger is the Super Bowl victory by the fun-loving, butt-kicking, video-making Bears of the 1985 season. Fans are starved for even a whiff of that kind of excitement. This is still a football town first.

Outlook

So many have picked the Bears as the NFL's -- or at least the NFC's -- up and coming team that a playoff berth wouldn't be a surprise at all.

The Bears have improved their talent and depth through free agency and the draft, but where's the superstar, the consistent Pro Bowl player who will be there time and time again making big plays? There isn't one, at least not yet. Glyn Milburn was the team's first Pro Bowl selection since 1993 last season. He's a kick returner. For all the attention offensive coordinator Gary Crowton received, the offense ranked 25th in the league last season in scoring.

Former first-round pick Cade McNown is once again the Bears' starting QB.(AP)

The Bears need a running game to complement the spread offense installed by Crowton, who became a head coaching candidate after only his first season in the NFL at any level. Eccentric running back Curtis Enis might be the key to the season, which should make Bears fans shudder. In his short tenure in Chicago, Enis has gone from religious fundamentalist to Hummer-driving bad man to ... what now? Just get the yards, Curtis. Chicago's patience is running out.

On defense, the Bears spent their first-round draft choice and about $50 million for free agents to upgrade a unit that ranked 29th in the NFL last season.

It's hard not to applaud the direction in which the Bears are headed. Only two years ago, they were a disgrace. Now, former team president Michael McCaskey, the human public relations disaster, is out of the picture. Dick Jauron is a sensible, subdued, competent head coach.

In only his second season, quarterback Cade McNown can't be expected to carry the team into the playoffs. But the clock is ticking on McNown's honeymoon, and Jim Miller proved last season he is more than capable as a backup.

If somebody can rush the passer, if Enis can prove doubters wrong, if somebody emerges as a reliable kicker, there is a lot of potential here. Receiver Marcus Robinson is a future Pro Bowl performer.

Still, it looks a like a team whose upside for this season isn't more than three victories better than last season -- a 9-7 record, at best.

Schedule preview: The Bears start the season with two road games and finish the season with two road games, not an ideal situation. They will find out early how they stack up in the NFC Central, playing four of their first five against division teams. November might tell the story for this team, with home games against Indianapolis and Tampa Bay and road games at Buffalo and at the New York Jets. A year ago, the Bears were the Not Ready For Prime Time Players. This season, they don't have a Monday night game for the third consecutive year. But they will at least play twice on Sunday night.

1999 offensive ranking: No. 8 overall, No. 26 rushing, No. 3 passing.

1999 defensive ranking: No. 29 overall, No. 23 vs. the rush, No. 29 vs. the pass.

Key players lost from 1999: WR Curtis Conway (San Diego), P Todd Sauerbrun (Kansas City).

Key additions for 2000: DE Phillip Daniels (Seahawks), CB Thomas Smith (Bills), SS Shawn Wooden (Dolphins), WR Eddie Kennison (Saints), CB R.W. McQuarters (49ers).

Rookies to watch: Some were skeptical about the decision to take Brian Urlacher with the first-round pick because he came from New Mexico, not a big-time college program. But Urlacher's ability to close on ballcarriers in the first preseason game was an indication he might be for real. Brainy second-round pick Mike Brown from Nebraska will push hard for playing time at strong safety. Kicker Paul Edinger from Michigan State made a 51-yard field goal in the first preseason game that was called back because of a penalty. But given the sorry state of the kicking game last season, it was a welcome sign.

Offensive line: All five starters return on a line that includes tackle James "Big Cat" Williams, a 10-year veteran and team leader. Center Olin Kreutz was a Pro Bowl alternate last season. Guard Todd Perry bombed in the free-agent market, so he's back on a one-year contract. Guard Chris Villarrial and tackle Blake Brockermeyer return as well.

Wide receivers/tight ends: Marcus Robinson, the Bears' version of Randy Moss, set a team record last season with 1,400 receiving yards, and had 84 receptions. That earned him a huge new contract. Bobby Engram tested the free-agent market before coming back to the Bears, and will be pushed for playing time by Eddie Kennison. Crowton says he plans to use the tight ends more in the passing game this season.

Running backs: Enis was coming off knee surgery last season, but now it is time to deliver for the former fifth overall draft pick. Enis put on weight in the offseason, but perhaps at the expense of quickness hitting the hole. His dismal performance in the first preseason game raised all the old questions about his ability. Given Enis' unpredictable personality, this has the potential to develop into a bad situation. James Allen is the backup.

Quarterbacks: Cade McNown, in his second season, has the huge contract and the status as a former first-round draft choice. Questions remain about his arm strength, but he is the starter. Plenty of fans would like to see veteran backup Jim Miller receive a fair chance to take the job. Shane Matthews is back, too, as the No. 3 quarterback. Former Boston College quarterback Mike Hartsell made a strong impression in the first preseason game.

Defensive line: Desperately seeking pressure on the passer. Free agent defensive end Phillip Daniels was signed to a five-year, $25-million contract. He has missed time in camp because of migraines. Eventually, he will be expected to inflict pain on opposing quarterbacks. Popular tackle Jim Flanagan from Notre Dame should improve with Daniels around.

Linebackers: The Bears have more speed at the position with Urlacher and second-year player Warrick Holdman, whose star is rising. Veteran Barry Minter will be pressed to hold onto his playing time with another second-year linebacker, Khari Samuel, looking good. There is a Bill George-Dick Butkus-Mike Singletary tradition to uphold here.

Secondary: Smith, another mega-millions free agent, is a good cover guy, but he doesn't have many interceptions. At least Bears fans won't have to watch Walt Harris get burned by the other team's top receiver anymore, or at least as much as they have in the past. Safety Tony Parrish is a potential Pro Bowl player. Wooden and Brown will compete for time at free safety.

Special teams: The Bears went through a parade of kickers last season, finishing with the worst field goal percentage in the NFL. Edinger, Jaret Holmes and Jeff Jaeger are competing for the job in training camp. The free-spirited Sauerbrun, a former second-round draft choice by the Bears, finally wore out his welcome after last season. Free agents Aron Langley and Brent Bartholomew are competing for the position.