The Bears task this week is not as easy as you think. These arent the Bengals of the past few years. Carson Palmer is healthy and showing that he deserves to in the conversation as a top 5 QB in the NFL. Somehow former Bears castoff, Cedric Benson is leading the league in rushing and OchoCinco being a decent WR again, the bengals have something going on offense. The Bengals Defense is ranked 17th in the league in points allowed and are an average nfl defense. The Bears come into this game with the 27th ranked rushing attack and having the 12th ranked defense in points allowed. The Bears need to win this game in order to keep pace with Minnesota and Green Bay.
Key Factors
Maybe the largest key for the Bears will be the offensive line. Lovie has announced that there will be no changes for this game but the Bear's offensive should dominate. The Bengals DE Odom (the league leader in sacks) is out of this game and the whole D-Line is nicked up. To be effective and keep Palmer and Co. off the field the Bears have to establish a run game and eat up the clock. Lovie says they get off the bus running but this week they must do that to eat up the clock and keep maybe the most explosive offense they have faced so far off the field.
For the defense, the key will be 3rd downs. The Bears have had no problems forcing opponents into 3rd downs but so far this season they have let their opponents convert too many. Giving Palmer chances will get you in trouble so on third downs they must not only get pressure but make sure that they try and disguise their coverages and tackle well.
Key Matchups
Palmer v. Nick Roach. I expect the Bengals to do some no-huddle as it was so effective against the Bears last week. If the plays are getting in fast enough (as was the case last week), Roach has to step up and make some defensive calls on his own. This might be a lot to ask from a guy who is only making his 3rd start as MLB but hey he has to be smart, he went to Northwestern after all. He also has to make sure that he is quick and deep with his drops otherwise i can see Palmer making a killing in the deep middle of the field.
Cutler v. Roy Williams (or other Bengals safeties). As of right now, it would appear that Williams will start. If you have watched him before, you know that he wants to play in the box and mix it up. He can be exploited in pass coverage and it will be up to Jay to recognize when Williams is matched up on a fast WR, Olsen or Forte and get them the ball and take a deep chance.
Prediction
I think this will be a closer game than most people think but in the end i think the Bears will come out on top with a last second FG from Robbie "Good as" Gould. Bears 27, Bengals 24
Critical Performer
My CP is Alex Brown. Alex, say hello to Gaines Adams who is bidding to take snaps away from you. Alex is probably the most complete D-lineman the best have and is having a good season but he needs to step it up this game. He needs to put pressure on Palmer not only for the bears to do well but also for his job security and he will do it this Sunday.
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