As I wrote earlier in the week, it seems the Bears have trouble defeating good quarterbacks. Because of this, this week's game boils down to the incomparable Kurt Warner. Along his religious journey on planet Earth, Kurt Warner has very noticeably built a Hall of Fame resume. We all know his story:
Cut by the Green Bay Packers in training camp---- Joins AFL's Iowa Barnstormers ---- Stocks groceries at the local Hy-Vee ---- Marries ex-Marine Corp and strong-arm Brenda ---- Cancels tryout with Chicago Bears because of scorpion bite sustained during his honeymoon (how much should we trust wikipedia?) ---- Trent Green's ACL snaps like a twig ---- Dick Vermeil cries ---- Throws for over 4,000 yards and 41 TDs ---- Wins Super Bowl along with regular and post-season MVP ---- Becomes 4 time Pro Bowler ---- Wins another MVP ---- Makes two more trips to the Super Bowl ---- Currently has career QB rating of 93
An obvious feel good story and an obviously talented quarterback. So, how will the Bears stop this guy on Sunday? Well, for starters, this isn't the same "gee shucks look what I did Lord" guy that could throw a football as accurate as anybody in history. This year his age has caught up with him (38 with a touch of grey in his hair) as he has thrown as many interceptions as touchdowns and is coming off a clunker against Carolina. His team is perhaps in a post-Super Bowl loss hangover and is limping to a 4-3 record. That said, given time in the pocket, this guy still can rip apart weak secondaries like Dan Jiggets and a T-Bone steak.
How the Bears can win: Aggressive defense
Sure getting five turnovers against the Browns is a nice accomplishment, but outside of that game the Bears have yet to show their trademark fast aggressive defense that made them a feared team in the past. This game is certaintly winnable for the Bears, but as always it starts up front with the D-Line. Adewale Ogunleye, Alex Brown and Mark Anderson and co. need to establish a good pass rush early and fluster Warner. If Warner is comfortable he will pull a Carson Palmer on the Bears. A good rush takes the pressure of the DB's as well, who will have their hands full all day with the star receivers for Arizona.
How the Cardinals can win: Thru the air
Despite having two decent young runners in Tim Hightower and rookie Beanie Wells, the Cardinals rank dead last in the NFL in rushing. What they do have, however, are top of the line wide receivers. Larry Fitzgerald is on the short list for best in the NFL, Anquan Boldin is a former Pro-Bowler and Steve Breaston is an up and coming star. All three of these guys caught over 1,000 yards a piece last year. (Think about what Calvin Johnson, Chad Ochocinco and Roddy White did to the Bears this year already.)
Critical Performer: Kurt Warner
Prediction: Cardinals 27 - Bears 24
Sorry TheChicagoSportsCritcs fans, but over the past month the Bears have shown me that they can lose close (Falcons), lose big (Bengals), sit out a week (Bye) and win sloppy (Browns). Add in the fact that the Cardinals are 3-0 on the road and this match-up doesn't look so great for Chicago. Here's hoping I'm wrong.
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