The Chicago Bears 2012 regular season will kick off tomorrow at noon at Soldier Field when "Da Bears" face off against the Indianapolis Colts. Tomorrow will also mark the first time Jay Cutler will step back onto the field in over 9 months after injuring his right thumb against the Chargers in November last year.
There are definitely more than a few story lines heading into this game and hopefully the game answers more questions that it raises. To be put frankly, it is the first year that I can ever remember the Bears entering a season where their offense is superior to their defense. Additions of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey in the off-season form an explosive wide receiver set that opponents will have to game plan heavily to contain. However, there are still lingering issues surrounding the offensive line, especially the left tackle position, and also with the lack of Forte's production in the preseason.
While the offense is projected to make major highlights, Coach Smith's spotlight is always on the defense. Last year Chicago ranked 14th in points allowed per game (21.3). The defense was unable to takeover after Cutler's injury when the Bears lost 5 straight before their week 17 victory at home against the Vikings. For what it's worth, the defense was not able to hold the Packers under 24 points last year.
The defense, while still strong and what I think will be a good to great defense, is just injuries away from caving in. The secondary has been a disappointment for a number of seasons and on top of that, pro ball corner back Charles Tillman seemed to be off his game in the preseason. Perhaps the number one concern for the defense right now is the heart of their defense Brain Urlacher. Urlacher, along with many others on defense, is over the age of 30 and is having trouble running because of his injured left knee. As of yesterday, Urlacher said that his knee is feeling fine and he was able to do more intense drills than before, however he is not currently in the exact football shape he would like to be in. If Urlacher were to go down, next in like mike LB would be Nick Roach, skilled and good linebacker, but he's no Urlacher.
Saying all that, it isn't much longer until we shut up and just watch! Lets take a look at how the Bears match up against the Colts.
There are definitely more than a few story lines heading into this game and hopefully the game answers more questions that it raises. To be put frankly, it is the first year that I can ever remember the Bears entering a season where their offense is superior to their defense. Additions of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey in the off-season form an explosive wide receiver set that opponents will have to game plan heavily to contain. However, there are still lingering issues surrounding the offensive line, especially the left tackle position, and also with the lack of Forte's production in the preseason.
While the offense is projected to make major highlights, Coach Smith's spotlight is always on the defense. Last year Chicago ranked 14th in points allowed per game (21.3). The defense was unable to takeover after Cutler's injury when the Bears lost 5 straight before their week 17 victory at home against the Vikings. For what it's worth, the defense was not able to hold the Packers under 24 points last year.
The defense, while still strong and what I think will be a good to great defense, is just injuries away from caving in. The secondary has been a disappointment for a number of seasons and on top of that, pro ball corner back Charles Tillman seemed to be off his game in the preseason. Perhaps the number one concern for the defense right now is the heart of their defense Brain Urlacher. Urlacher, along with many others on defense, is over the age of 30 and is having trouble running because of his injured left knee. As of yesterday, Urlacher said that his knee is feeling fine and he was able to do more intense drills than before, however he is not currently in the exact football shape he would like to be in. If Urlacher were to go down, next in like mike LB would be Nick Roach, skilled and good linebacker, but he's no Urlacher.
Saying all that, it isn't much longer until we shut up and just watch! Lets take a look at how the Bears match up against the Colts.
Week 1: Bears vs. Colts
Intro: The Bears host the Colts at Soldier field tomorrow in what will be the highly anticipated debut #1 pick Andrew Luck. The rookie has shown credible skill and talent in his preseason games that he is ready for the NFL stage. The Colts are coming off a league worst 2-14 season and are looking to bounce back after departing with Superbowl XLI hero Peyton Manning.
Offense: The Chicago Bears come in this season with an offense that the franchise has never had. With a pack of speedy and tall "go-up-and-get-it" type receivers, and a backfield of running backs that can catch, run, and even occasionally block, Colts are going to have a hard time figuring out how game-plan against this never before seen Bears offense. While seasons before the Bears were somewhat predictable offense with a majority of run plays, the play-action could be deadly weapon this year. Indianapolis has the tough job of being the first team to face this new look Bears offense. On the other-side, while Andrew Luck has shown that he is an NFL starting quarterback he doesn't have enough playmakers around him. Reggie White and Austin Collie highlight the WR core and their starting RB is Donald Brown; certainly not as threatening as they used to be. Also, Andrew Luck should watch out, the Bears have an act for knocking out rookie quarterbacks, just ask Matthew Stafford. Offensive edge goes to the Bears.
Defense: As mentioned, the Bears have couple of issues on the defensive side like any team, but they certainly cannot be afford to be beat in the secondary. Andrew Luck is intelligent and is perhaps the most NFL ready rookie right now. He will adjust and learn quick, so the defense needs to be aggressive. Getting to a rookie quarterback (physically), will get to a rookie quarterback (mentally). Brain Urlacher is listed as probable for this game, meaning that he will play. I don't think that he needs to be in their for every snap. Obviously there is a case that perhaps he should sit this game out and play in week 2 vs the Packers on Thursday, but perhaps this game might get him more into "football shape". The bears defense is will good and under Lovie Smith, they have forced the most turnovers since 2004. Colts defense will have much more difficult task against the Bears offense and trying to figure out the new offensive schemes. Unless something unbelievable happens between now and tomorrow's game, Bears defense over Colts defense anyday.
Special Teams: There isn't much to say about the special because year after year, the Bears have proved to the rest of the league that they have by-far one of the best special teams in the league. Special Teams coordinator Dave Toub has been highly recognized in the league for coming up with some of the most incredible and successful plays. Chicago has a basket full of returners include Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, Eric Weems, and others who have all had pretty long returns. Robbie Gould is as good as any kicker in the league and long snapper Patrick Mannelly will be entering his 15th season into the NFL. The other questions right now is punter Adam Podlesh who tweaked a part of his hip in the preseason, but he is also listed is probable for the game, meaning he will also play. Besides the veteran and sure footed Adam Vinatieri, the Colts special teams is average for kickoff coverage, and was 31st in the league in terms of total kick return yards in 2011. Having Hester, Gould and an outstanding coordinator gives the Bears a huge advantage in special teams.
Conclusion: The Bears have a clear advantage in this team and need to come out aggressive and ready to play. A high-powered offense backed up by a ferocious defense means that the Bears should come out on top. However, there have been plenty of times when the Bears have come out flat-footed and looked uninterested. If that is the case, Andrew Luck might just have a field day and rip apart the Bears secondary. Don't think that players won't go the Urlacher knees to weaken him for the Bears/Packers primetime match-up in week 2. Any given Sunday anything could happen, but I don't see Colts coming out of Chicago with a victory.
--FINAL--
Bears (1-0): 27
Colts (0-1): 13
Colts (0-1): 13
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