Bears vs 49ers Week 13 Preview with Niner Noise
5. Please give me an under-the-radar 49ers player on each side of the ball that Bears fans might not know but will have a big impact on Sunday’s outcome.
Defensively, I’ll go back to Colbert. As a seventh-round pick, you wouldn’t expect to hear much of him. He was supposed to be a reserve option and special teams contributor. But when veteran free safety Jimmie Ward was lost for the season with an arm injury, Colbert stepped up and has done a good job. He’s rangy and has good coverage skills in a single-high scheme. Plus, he’s got a bit of an attitude, which you love to see along the last line of defense.
He might not be quite as under the radar, but wide receiver Trent Taylor is an offensive player I’m watching Sunday. The Patriots use their slot receivers to great extent and effectiveness, so I have to think Garoppolo will feel pretty comfortable targeting college football’s leading receiver from a year ago. If I recall right, Bears corner Bryce Callahan is a little banged up, so this might be a matchup to watch.
6. What’s your prediction for Sunday? Please provide a brief write-up and a score.
San Francisco 49ers
Hah. I hate predictions, and I’m usually wrong. But if I had to go with something educated, I still think the Bears win this one. Chicago’s front seven, even after losing Leonard Floyd for the year, is pretty stout. And the secondary isn’t bad either. Plus, the Bears defense at home has been pretty good. That’s notable.
Pair that with a porous and suspect 49ers offensive line, which was manhandled by the Seahawks last week, and there’s trouble brewing for San Francisco even with Garoppolo under center. He’ll be poised and will make plays, but the lack of talent around him will hurt in this situation.
The 49ers, for the most part this season, have been able to hang in games until late in the second half. Such was the case against Seattle last week. A lack of offensive prowess has left the Niners defense exposed, though, which could be the case again in Week 13. Remember the part about Howard wearing down the 49ers defense? Well, that’s what I’d guess comes into play here.
No shootouts… we’re looking at a 17-10 game, or something along those lines, in favor of the Bears.
A big thanks to Peter for his help breaking it down and giving us some great insight. Be sure to head over to Niner Noise and get even more San Francisco 49ers info before and after the game.