Summary
This game comes at a critical time for both teams. Both the bears and cards have been maddeningly inconsistent. This game starts a tough 4 game stretch where the bears will show us what type of team they are. Arizona leads their division but that lead is shaky at best. A win for both teams would show that they can beat a high quality opponent and really give a boost to their season.
Key Factors
No shocker here. It will be the bears pass defense v. cards passing offense. Everyone knows that the cards will come out throwing the ball and their offense rests on the right arm of Kurt Warner. The bears have to get a pass rush because if warner gets protection, he will pick apart any coverage the bears use. In an excellent article from espn chicago, it seems that Zach Bowman has been the more effective cornerback this year. Or atleast teams have been less effective throwing to his side. Although that is what the numbers say, i still see the cards throwing a bunch to bowman's side.
Bears special teams. I mean who doesnt remember the last time the bears played the cards and the incredible comeback. As Lovie preaches winning games with defense and special teams, this phase may be the game changer for the bears. Both offenses and defenses seem pretty evenly matched up but if the bears' special teams can give the bears a field position advantage, it could be the difference between a win and a loss.
Key Matchups
Marcus Harrison v. Tim Hightower/Beanie Wells. Harrision as the starting nosetackle has to plug up the run. The cards strength is not running the ball but if they do get that going the bears are in serious trouble. Harrision and the other DT have to stuff the run to make Arizona a one dimensional team. So that the ends and LBs can concentrate on the pass and hope to stop what can be an explosive passing game.
Cutler v. Rodgers-Cromartie. The Arizona CB is a gambler. He will jump routes to try and get the pick-6. He will be overly aggressive with WR and can be duped by the WR. If Cutler and his wrs are able to pull a double move with a pump fake from cutler, you could see Cromartie pounding the ground and cutler celebrating after getting the big plays we have been waiting for all season.
Prediction
This is gonna be a close game the whole day with two evenly matched teams. I can either seeing the bears winning 24-23 or the cards winning 31-24. As the bears are at home, ill take them.
Bears 24-23
Critical Performer
Devin. Hester. I think he will show up big against the cardinals again. He has really progressed as a WR and there will be some opportunities for him in this game to make big plays and get into that endzone. Maybe most importantly, he must and will have some very good punt returns and give the bears the edge in field position. Chicago, welcome the return of the explosive 23!
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