To beat 49ers, Bears have to run the ball
How much pressure is on the Chicago Bears going into Week 2 of the season?
Plenty, thanks to their unimpressive play in the home opener loss to the Buffalo Bills.
After playing the tough San Francisco 49ers this weekend, their schedule doesn't get any easier over the next few weeks. They will face the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field, then hit for road against the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons.
I hope I'm wrong, but I see the Bears winning only one of those five games (the Jets) to give them a 1-5 record. Not too hot for a team with Super Bowl expectations and quarterback MVP claims.
Marc Trestman should re-evaluate his game plan and personnel because if his strategy is to pass most of the time like he did in week one, I'm concerned.
As I wrote previously, I believe Trestman should load up on more Matt Forte. If Cutler passes under 30 times, the Bears can win, but if the game plan is to throw 45 to 50 times, it will be a long game.
I find it even more troubling the Bears seem to be the only team that didn't improve in their division.
The Packers are strong, and if they don't play Seattle, they will be much better. The Minnesota Vikings, under coach Mike Zimmer, seem to play with a little more physicality like the former defensive coordinator of the Bengals displayed in Cincinnati. New Detroit Lion head coach Jim Caldwell has a slimmer Matthew Stafford and knows the quickest way to success is to get the ball to wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
If the Bears can win Sunday, and that's a big if, everyone's fears - including my own - will almost disappear. That's what fans do in football - live and die with every game.
With the defense giving up chunks of yardage, and a weaker special teams, the burden falls to Cutler, the $50 million man.
So here's the plan Trestman should follow: let Forte run for over 100 yards, have Cutler throw about 30 passes for 250 yards, and keep the 49ers off the field. It all adds up to a win against San Francisco.
If the 49ers win the time- of-possession battle, that will mean Colin Kaepernick's offense had their way.
Cutler knows he hurt his club last week. He's not a dumb, and he knows he has to play better this week.
If the Bears somehow manage to win this game, the wolves will back off.
With a 16-game schedule, every game is huge and the importance of Game 2 can't be understated.
Good luck boys. Let's hope the wolves have backed away from the door by Monday.
Program notes:
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