Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass in front of San Francisco 49ers defense end Justin Smith (94) in the first half at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears head to Gotham to play MNF against the New York Jets. The last time these two met on MNF, was 23 years ago to the day. On that night at Soldier Field, Jim Harbaugh led a late fourth quarter drive to tie the game, sending it to overtime, where the Bears finally won. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see another game just like it.
I am not real comfortable about this game, not that I don’t think the Bears are headed in the right direction, they are. On paper they should probably win, but its the Jets, New York and Rex Ryan. It just feels hinky to me, like some creepy bad mojo is lurking. That aside, looking at it from a pragmatic view, this should be a game the Bears break out and start showing the league what they are all about.
Defense:
The 49’er win was a turning point for the defense. Yes, the face one of the better running teams and another zone read QB, but they showed last week, they are getting the hang of it. Dline is settling in and finding their legs. The interesting thing for me will be to watch how Ferguson and Sutton play. The got some snaps at a critical juncture last week, and handled themselves well. The linebackers were steadier, and maybe the are headed to turning the corner, and reduce my anxiety. I still believe this group goes the way of Lance, if he is motivated all is good, otherwise the kids flounder. In the defensive backfield, I think we will be looking at a unit that will be together for some time, and I am excited to see how they work together. Conte will play and that is good news. The Bears D ranks 13th and 7th against the pass.
Offense: We run into another quality front line so I suspect we will have difficulty running the ball. However, the Jets Dbacks are shaky. Don’t be surprised to see Cutler spray the ball over the field to the three musketeers (Marshall, Jeffery and Bennett) a great deal. What I do expect is to see more consistency from the O in this game. If there was a ever a game to put it all together this would be it. The keys here are Ola and how well he keeps playing, and Forte and Holmes. Bears rank 10th offensively.
Special Teams: Ross gets his turn at returns this week, so who knows what will happen. I believe it will take most of the season for this group to find a groove. With that expectation set, be prepared for some scary moments. Where special teams rank? you don’t want to know.
Overall, I expect a tough game but the Bears should handle it well, and keep improving. If there was a time to break out this is it as we turn to face the Packers.