As in, a trip to New Orleans in February big.

During an appearance on ESPN’s “First Take” Friday, the Bears receiver gushed over the potential of his new team, emphasizing how they potentially could win the Super Bowl, USA Today reported.

“Honestly, I think we can not only make it to the Super Bowl, but I think we’ll have a chance to win it,” said Marshall.

Marshall is far from an introverted individual, so him making his feelings public is far from a stunner. However, Chicago has reloaded this offseason, shoring up glaring weaknesses via free agency and the draft, with Marshall providing a (much-needed) dominant presence at the position.

When asked if the Bears, playing in the tough NFC North, can keep up with their divisional counterparts, Marshall noted it’s the team’s defense that sets them apart from the pack (see what I did there?), and added even the offense is coming along nicely.

“I look at it the other way. You have to pay respect to the Packers because they won the division, but those teams don’t have a defense like we do.

“On the offensive side of the ball, we know what we have in Matt Forte and Jay Cutler, and adding me to the passing game—and opening up other alleys for Devin Hester and Earl (Bennett)—it’s just going to make our offense and our team that much better. But what we have that they don’t have is that defense.”

On paper, the Bears possess a boatload of talent, and certainly could take the next step forward this year. But, at least until August, we won’t know if the product on paper translates well to the gridiron. Marshall probably should hold off on stamping his ticket.

Marshall’s attorney, Harvey Steinberg, tells ESPN’s Adam Schefter that New York City police will not bring charges against the Bears’ mercurial receiver.

“Brandon was the victim here and never did anything wrong,” Steinberg said. “This confirms that.”

Marshall was accused of “slugging” Christin Myles at a NYC nightclub in March after his wife, Michi Nogami, supposedly had been hit by a thrown bottle, inciting a melee which quickly caught the league’s attention.

While it seemed like Marshall was clearly at fault — considering his history of violence, it was not exactly a blind assumption — Schefter’s sources say police “struggled” to piece together evidence against the 28-year-old.

Marshall, who was shipped off to Chicago shortly after the incident took place, expected all along to be “cleared of any wrongdoing.”

“The situation in New York, it’s unfortunate,” Marshall said in a radio interview last week. “You never want to see anyone get hurt, but just the allegation of me balling my fist up and hitting a woman is just a lie. When the judicial system takes its course, I’m very confident I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

“My wife was the victim in this situation.”

Now that his conscience is officially clear, Marshall can focus squarely on football and integrating himself into an offense where he’s likely to be featured exclusively.

The online betting site released the spreads for each of the Opening Day contests, listing half of the NFC North — the Bears and Lions — as the most heavily-favored to win their respective matchups.

Chicago (-8.5) opens up at home against (in all likelihood) Andrew Luck and the Colts. Ditto for Detroit (-7.5), who will play host to Jeff Fisher’s new-look Rams.

Right behind them are the Saints, Eagles, and Ravens (among others), all of whom are six-point favorites.

And if you’re wondering (which I’m sure you are), Peyton Manning is projected to earn his first victory in his new uniform, though the line (-1.5) could always change considering the opponent — Pittsburgh.

Listed below are the full set of odds and spreads for Week 1, via BetOnline.

Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants -3.5

Indianapolis Colts
Chicago Bears -7.5

Jacksonville Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings -3.5

Buffalo Bills
New York Jets -6

Miami Dolphins
Houston Texans -6

New England Patriots -5
Tennessee Titans

St. Louis Rams
Detroit Lions -7.5

Washington Redskins
New Orleans Saints -6

Philadelphia Eagles -6
Cleveland Browns

Atlanta Falcons -1
Kansas City Chiefs

San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers -5

Seattle Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals -1

Carolina Panthers -1.5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cincinnati Bengals
Baltimore Ravens -6

Pittsburgh Steelers
Denver Broncos -1.5

San Diego Chargers -2
Oakland Raiders

[H/T Beyond The Bets]

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Marshall was recently “involved in another incident” and is facing “NFL review.”

Schefter wouldn’t disclose further details, unfortunately, though I imagine it’s another off-field issue for Marshall, whose character concerns jettisoned him out of Denver, and now, apparently, Miami.

Marshall’s last incident came last year, when he was rushed to the intensive care after being stabbed in the abdomen by his wife, a story that changed many times over.

Too easy.

Per the New York Post, 24-year-old Christin Myles claims Marshall “slugged” her at a New York City nightclub early Sunday morning. While out with friends celebrating Myles’ birthday, the troubled wideout got into an argument with an “unknown athlete,” causing the group to be bounced from the club.

Later, Marshall allegedly “cold-cocked” Myles after she and her friends were arguing with him and the mystery athlete.

Myles suffered a black eye and filed a police report. Marshall’s wife, Michi Nogami, was said to be seriously hurt in the scrum.

Via FOXSports’ Jay Glazer, Marshall’s agent, Harvey Steinberg, released a statement regarding the “incident.”

“On March 12,2012 Brandon Marshall was the key note speaker at a charitable event in New York. After the event was over he, his wife and close friends attended a function at a local club.
While at the function a fight broke out NOT involving Mr. Marshall or his friends. While attempting to leave to avoid the melee Mrs. Marshall was struck in the face by a thrown bottle. She suffered serious injury.
While attempting to leave and take his wife to the hospital, the mayhem continued outside. Finally Mr. Marshall was able to take his wife to the hospital where she was treated for serious injuries.
Mr. Marshall is hoping to assist authorities in regards to this matter.”

More to come.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dolphins have traded receiver Brandon Marshall to the Bears, where he’ll reunite with quarterback Jay Cutler.

The Fins received two third-round picks — one in 2012, the other in 2013 — in exchange for the mercurial wideout.

Chicago’s new GM, Phil Emery, pulled off a much-needed deal, finally giving Cutler a playmaking threat after years of mediocre talent at the position.

It’s unclear what the Dolphins’ motives were for making this trade. Marshall didn’t have the best quarterback situation in South Beach, either, and couldn’t do much when facing constant double and triple-teams.

Though, he had his share of drops — specifically in the endzone — and that, coupled with his character concerns, likely factored in to the decision.

For now, Miami is left with the likes of Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, and Clyde Gates in their receiving corps, and already had other holes to fill prior to dealing its best offensive player.

After originally surrendering two second-round picks and $50 million for Marshall, the Dolphins didn’t exactly get a great return on their investment.

According to multiple reports, the Bears placed the franchise tag on Matt Forte, keeping the would-be free agent in the Windy City.

It’s an expected move after long-term negotiations stalled, though new GM Phil Emery told the team’s official website that locking up Forte remains a primary goal.

“Matt is an important part of our football team and we chose to utilize the franchise tag to ensure he remains a Bear,” said general manager Phil Emery. “We believe in Matt as a player and a person. Our intention is to continue to work to find common ground and keep Matt as a member of the Chicago Bears in 2012 and beyond.”

Before the start of last season, Chicago’s former general manager, Jerry Angelo, offered Forte a deal that reportedly included $15 million in guarantees. It was swiftly rejected by Forte’s camp. Shortly after, both parties agreed to break off talks.

Forte went on to total 1,487 yards from scrimmage in 2011, earning his first Pro Bowl appearance, despite missing the last tail-end of the season with a sprained MCL.

Last month, Forte reiterated his desire to remain in Chicago, with contract talks supposedly reigniting during the Scouting Combine.

The prevailing thought is a pact will more than likely be worked out before July 16′s deadline, but, as we’ve seen, it’s not going to be a smooth process.

The whirlwind day was just beginning, as their veteran offensive boss then decided to part ways with the organization.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Mike Martz resigned as the Bears offensive coordinator, citing “philosophical differences” as the reason for his departure from the Windy City.

While abrupt, Martz’s decision was hardly a surprising one. He’s expected to be a highly sought-after commodity in both the NFL and NCAA, and a report last month indicated that he won’t be back with the Bears.

The writing was on the wall Monday when Smith gave Martz, whose contract was set to expire, a lukewarm vote of confidence, refusing to commit to him for the 2012 season.

Even Martz’s two seasons in Chicago seemed tumultuous, with a publicly known rift occurring between he and quarterback Jay Cutler. The playcalling was criticized and had to be tailored multiple times over to better suit the offense.

It was a match that was far from heaven-sent, though it looked to have been improving before Cutler and running back Matt Forte were lost to injuries this season, sapping the Bears’ playoff hopes.

With Martz gone, Smith will have the task of hiring a new coordinator, something he should be used to by now. This will be the fourth OC in his nine-year tenure.

Mike Tice, currently the team’s offensive line coach, has already been mentioned as a candidate to succeed Martz. Tice, who’s best known for the Love Boat scandal in Minnesota, shares the same offensive philosophy and the continuity would save Cutler from having to learn yet another system.

This won’t be the last we hear of Martz, who sports an impressive track record. He’ll turn up somewhere in a similar capacity, but in the meantime, he’s out of a situation he probably wasn’t too thrilled to be a part of.

Now, it appears he may be willing to make a return to his old stomping grounds — the NFC North — for a third tour of duty within the Black and Blue division.

Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com spoke to a source close to Favre that said the future Hall of Famer “would listen” if the Bears approached him about playing for the 7-5 squad.

Wright cautions that the Bears have not contacted Favre yet, and it’s “highly doubtful” they’d be interested in the 42-year-old, who could be more inclined to just stay retired.

However, the source added that Favre “has been working out and staying in shape,” which suggests that a return to football isn’t totally out of the realm of possibility.

Despite losing Jay Cutler likely for the season and suffering through two straight losses — primarily due to the play of backup-turned-starter Caleb Hanie — coach Lovie Smith rejected the idea of adding another signal-caller.

“That’s our group,” Smith said of the three quarterbacks on the Bears’ roster. “We’re going to make improvements with our group. We’re not looking on the outside. We won’t have a quarterback tryout or anything like that.”

It’s understandable that Smith would want to stick by his guy, but he has to come to grips with the realization that Hanie is not going to carry the team to the postseason. Not at the rate he’s going — six interceptions, six sacks, and a fumble in only two starts.

Chicago recently pursued veteran QB Kyle Orton when he was waived by the Broncos, so it’s evident they’re not completely comfortable at the position — nor should they be.

Though it’s an entirely moot point if Favre would rather hunt and fish rather than suit up, the Bears would be wise to at least kick the tires on the greybeard before dismal quarterbacking dismantles a once-promising 2011 campaign.

Appearing on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown, Adam Schefter reported that Martz, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, is not expected to return in 2012.

Martz’s contract is set to expire after the season, and the 18-year coach could have several avenues to explore.

Obviously, he’ll be a highly coveted commodity among the NFL coaching ranks, but has also been linked to college openings at UCLA and Arizona State.

Martz has stayed mum, refusing to comment on the rumors, but has to be tempted to at least consider his other options. He’s taken a lot of flack — some deserving — when Chicago struggled offensively, and may be apt to pursue a job with a longer leash.

No matter where, barring a very improbable Super Bowl run, Cutler will be left to learn another system as Martz moves on to greener pastures.

Per the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears signed receiver Earl Bennett to a four-year, $18 million contract extension. The deal, which runs through 2015, also includes $9 million in guarantees.

Bennett, who was scheduled to become a free agent after the season, is an unheralded player, but a key part of the offense nonetheless.

Although he only has 18 catches on the year, the team reportedly admires his toughness and appreciates the chemistry he and quarterback Jay Cutler share from their days at Vanderbilt together.

According to Bennett, the feeling is very much mutual.

“I’s home, man,” Bennett said of Chicago. “The organization has been loyal to me, and I want to be loyal to them. They had the first shot at it.”

Chicago is still likely to add another wideout in the offseason, especially if Mike Martz remains as the team’s offensive coordinator, but they could do a lot worse than having the 24-year-old Bennett as the primary slot man for the conceivable future.