Bears host Patriots in Battle of NFL’s BEST!

December 12, 2010

The most intriguing match-up this Sunday is without question the game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots. As of today, both teams are exceeding NFL predictions prior to the start of the season, but the Bears are playing at a level that no one thought they could achieve this year. Last years 7-9 record had football experts scratching their heads. They were expected to be a much better team with Jay Cutler at the helm of this offense, but they could never seem to get things going.

Things have been much different in 2010 as the Bears are playing far better than the Vegas sportsbooks had anticipated. Quarterback Jay Cutler started the season on-fire, but went through a rough patch in which he didn’t receive any protection from his offensive line. Weeks 4-7 were difficult as Chicago faced two NFC East teams (Giants, Redskins), and Seattle on the road. The Bears had a total of 60 points (15 per game average), and were man-handled by some of the best defenses in all of football. However, since that time the Bears have put together a 5 game win streak that can be attributed to tremendous defense.

Chicago is ranked 3rd in total defense, and is second against the run with a 85 yard per game average. They are at full strength for the first time in years, and look like the Bears defense of old. Brian Urlacher leads this stout “D” with 94 tackles (71 solo) followed by Lance Briggs. Both of these linebackers are amongst the best in the NFL, and are the heart and soul of this defense. Their greatest achievement this year was a win over the Eagles in which they held LeSean McCoy to just 53 yards on the ground, and picked off Michael Vick who had not thrown one all season. They will be tested Sunday against a tremendous Patriots offense, but are more than up for the task.

Jay Cutler will not be the same Jay Cutler that threw on every down in Denver, but he has improved dramatically on the roll that he has been given by head coach Lovie Smith. Smith knows that he has a talented QB that can make every throw, but still believes that a solid running game and good defense is all that is needed to succeed in this league. So far in 2010 he’s right!

Matt Forte is a hard runner. He doesn’t average what most of the top RB’s in the league average, but he does more than enough on the ground to command respect from opposing defenses. He is on pace for 1000 yards this season, and has 5 touchdowns and no fumbles in the process. Forte will be an important part of the Bears game plan on Sunday. If he doesn’t help sustain drives, then it will put the ball in the New England’s hands.

The Patriots are 10-2, and have been doing it with tons of offense. Tom Brady is having one of the best seasons of his career as he has thrown for over 3000 yards already and 27 touchdowns. His passer rating of over 109 is the highest in the league, and he is completing over 66 percent of his throws. He has a wealth of talent to utilize offensively, especially in the passing game. Through 12 games, Brady has 6 receivers with 300+ yards receiving. His favorite target is Wes Welker who has caught 72 passes for 672 yards and 7 touchdowns.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis is the focal point of this offense as a running back, but yet he has similar numbers to Forte. His 699 yards rushing have been a huge help to the passing game, but the 11 touchdowns he has scored have been icing on the cake for this New England offense. If New England is to take this game at Chicago, they will need Green-Ellis to show that he is capable of moving the chains.

This may be the biggest game of the weekend as both of these squads try to solidify their position as the best team in their perspective league. Chicago trails the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC, but can certainly over-take them with 4 games remaining. The Patriots had a huge win versus their division rival New York Jets last week and now have the upper hand in the AFC. Both teams will be fighting hard to get home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Tune in Sunday as the Patriots offense tries to penetrate the stone wall Chicago “D”.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

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