We all would like to forget the sack-filled disaster that was last week's loss to the Giants. The Chicago Bears can start down that forgetful road by beating the win-less Panthers on the road on Sunday, but they'll be without their franchise quarterback. Here's my breakdown of the Bears' week five match-up.
(3-1) Chicago Bears at
(0-4) Carolina Panthers
Following Jay Cutler's concussion after sack number nine, 39-year old Todd Collins gets the start this week in Carolina, with Caleb Hanie serving as the back-up. Less mobile than Hanie, Collins knows how to get the ball out quickly and avoid taking the sack. As nice as it would have been, the Bears will not get left tackle Chris Williams back this week as he's still out with a hamstring injury, which keeps the offensive line in flux. If they struggle early against a Panther defense with 12 sacks this season, Mike Tice and Lovie Smith are likely to keep tinkering with the line-up during the course of the game. Carolina's front four includes ex-Colt Ed Johnson and Panther draft picks Everette Brown and Charles Johnson. They're inexperienced and lack the raw talent of the Giant front that caused so many problems for the Bears.
Where the Bears offense can't fall behind this week is on the ground. Without solid games from Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, Todd Collins won't be able to lead this team to victory. There's a reason he's only started twenty games in his lengthy career. He's just not that good. Greg Olsen and the running backs will be his best friends in the passing game. If you have any Bear receivers on your fantasy team, I'd sit them right now. The only corner to really worry about is Chris Gamble, but he's a better tackler than he is interceptor. Carolina's linebackers are their strength, but they can't make up for all their deficiencies.
Starting rookie Jimmy Clausen for the third week, the Panthers are going to be even more one-dimensional today. All-Pro receiver Steve Smith is out for the game, which means a glut of nobodies will start on the outside for Carolina. Bear corners will have it easy today, which means Lovie Smith will likely send a load of blitzes towards Clausen to rattle the rookie early. If he hadn't been playing hard enough, Julius Peppers' return to Carolina will be motivation enough to put Clausen on his back several times. (I'm calling it now since tackle Jeff Otah is out this week.) I'm ignoring Tommie Harris until he decides to show up on the field.
Despite their passing woes, Carolina can always run the ball behind their aggressive offensive line. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are an ugly combination at running back and can rack up the yardage on any given Sunday. If the Bear defense can't jump out to an early lead with turnovers and easy touchdowns, they'll be worn out by the fourth quarter trying to slow down that ground game. Field positioning will be key. If the Bears can pin Clausen deep on his side of the field, they'll have more opportunities for big plays on defense.
The odds:
Bears are three-point underdogs on the road. That means it's a wash.
Prediction:
I'm taking the Bears without hesitation. The Panthers just can't put up the points without Steve Smith.
How many heart attacks will Joe suffer?
Two? Neither team has enough on offense right now to make this a shoot-out. I should be able to keep food down without too many issues.
Message to the Bears:
Just run the ball and hold down the fort until Jay gets back. Good teams manage to find ways to beat the bad ones. Find a way today.
Bear down and Happy Jay Cutler day! (I miss you Jay!)
Keywords: Chicago Bears, Chris Williams, Greg Olsen, Jay Cutler, Jimmy Clausen, Joe Anello, Julius Peppers, NFL, Todd Collins
