4. What can Mitch Trubisky, Jordan Howard, and the Bears offense expect from the 49ers defense? Can the Bears anemic offense score some points on Sunday?
What I’m seeing is a strength-versus-strength scenario, paired with a weakness versus a weakness. San Francisco’s front seven is about as healthy as it has been all season. And while this group is giving up a lot of rushing yards, the defense is allowing only 3.9 yards per carry — 10th best in the NFL. Opponents simply have the lead late over the 49ers, so they run the ball a lot.
The Niners’ best attribute on defense has been their run-stopping abilities, and Howard is clearly the major threat to watch. There’s your strength matchup.
On the flip side, the 49ers secondary is banged up and pretty young, aside from strong safety Eric Reid. I mentioned Colbert, and he’s coming back from a minor thumb injury. He’s a rookie, and so is No. 1 cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. If I’m Trubisky, I target these guys as much as possible. The only problem is the Bears, to me at least, are hurting for receivers too. So there’s your weakness on weakness.
Chicago can get some points, but that’s going to depend on how much Howard wears down San Francisco’s front seven. If that happens at will, it will be late in the game.