Chicago Bears Season Preview- 4th Quarter
So the Bears enter the 4th quarter of the season with a guaranteed winning record with 9 wins so far, thanks to a strong3-1 first quarter, a 4-0 second quarter and a 2-2 third quarter. The fourth quarter features matchups with all the division rivals along with a trip to Baltimore. Let’s see how the Bears finish up, shall we:
Dec. 13 GREEN BAY, noon, FOX
The Pack head to Soldier Field to start the 4th quarter of the season. The Bears edged one out in the opener but I think the Packers steal one at Soldier Field. Somehow, I just see these teams splitting during the regular season. Packers 27-23. L
Dec. 20 at Baltimore, noon, FOX
The Ravens overachieved in ’08 and I think their young quarterback Joe Flacco and aging defense head back down toward mediocrity in ’09. The Bears find a way to get it done on the road. Bears 20-12. W
Dec. 28 MINNESOTA, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
The Bears look to avenge their earlier loss at Minnesota to close out the Monday Night Football schedule as the Vikes roll into Soldier Field. No annoying Viking Horn means no annoying Viking win. Bears 20-16. W
Jan. 3 at Detroit, noon, FOX
Come on, it’s the freakin’ Lions! Can I even consider ending the season on a losing note? Only if they have a BYE week locked up. Somehow, I don’t think it will be that easy. Bears end the regular season with an easy win. Bears 44-17. W
So I’ve got the Bears going 12-4 and capturing the division crown. Obviously they’ve got to stay healthy and the defense needs to step it up, especially in the secondary, but they have the team that will get it done. The last time the Bears went to the Super Bowl, they took Grossman to the Super Bowl. In fact, they went in spite of him; now they’ve got a quarterback that will take the team there.
Jay Cutler not only changes the face of the offense, but he will allow the defense to operate differently. They get to take more risks and don’t have to feel like if they let up a score that the team cannot recover. If Cutler and the offense can sustain some drives, the D gets to take some extended breathers and bring the heat on fresh legs.
All this prognosticating makes for some interesting discussion, but the real fun starts on Sunday when the pads start popping when the Bears invade Lambeau. Let’s go Bears!
BEAR DOWN!!!
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