Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) hands off to running back Arian Foster (23) during the second half at Reliant Stadium. The Texans won 21-9. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

The Bears’ extended preseason is over.  It’s time to put the big boy pads on and invite a legit team to Soldier Field as the 7-1 Houston Texans come to Chicago to face the 7-1 Bears.  This is a game where strength goes against strength.  The Bears take the ball away more than any team in the league while the Texans give it away the least.  It’s fastball pitcher against fastball hitter.  Both defenses are ranked in the top 5 and the Sunday night forecast is calling for heavy rain, so this doesn’t set up for a shootout.

To help get some insight on the upcoming opponent, we reached out to Riley Cavanagh, editor for Toro Times to tackles our 5 Questions.   Here are my questions and Riley’s answers: (more…)

Nov 4, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates stuffing a run against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE

The 7-1 Bears face the 7-1 Texans in prime time game this Sunday at Soldier Field.  Could it get any better?  This game has all the makings of an instant classic.

For the Bears it’s a common formula – it’s all about the defense.  They’re leading the league in takeaways and are only a few touchdowns behind the Jacksonville Jaguars offense with 8 touchdowns.  Peanut Tillman is having an MVP-caliber season while Lance Briggs, Julius Peppers and Brian Urlacher just keep doing what they do at a high level.  The offense remains in work in progress as Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall look to set Bears passing and receiving single-season records.

For the Texans, JJ Watt is an MVP candidate in his own right while making people forget Mario Williams.  The Texans defense is dominating most categories while the offense goes as running back Arian Foster goes.

How do the Bears pull off a victory over the tough Texans squad?  Here are my Keys to a Chicago Bears Victory.

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