Bears Blitz

Published by Donald Wood on September 28, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

With the Chicago Bears losing a tough game to division rivals the Green Bay Packers, the Carolina Panthers need to be on alert for an angry group of tough defenders.

The Panthers and rookie quarterback Cam Newton have looked much better than expected this season, but the Bears defense will be the first major test for the No. 1 overall pick.

Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

When: Sunday, October 2, 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Listen: Carolina—1110 AM WBT, Chicago—WBBM AM 780, Sirius Satellite Radio

Betting Line: Over/Under 43.5, Spread—Chicago -6.5

What’s at Stake?

This game is far more important to the Chicago Bears right now, but this could be a huge measuring stick for where Cam Newton is as a NFL quarterback. The Bears don’t want to lose on their home field to a team that went 2-14 last season and the Panthers want to help their No. 1 overall draft pick show the world he is the real deal.

Bears’ Injury Report

Earl Bennett, WR, Out

Gabe Carimi, T, Out

Marion Barber, RB, Questionable

Chris Harris, S, Questionable

Lance Louis, G, Questionable

Roy Williams, WR, Questionable

Major Wright, S, Questionable

Panthers’ Injury Report

Charles Godfrey, S, Doubtful

Chris Gamble, CB, Questionable

Cam Newton, QB, Probable

Fantasy: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em and Sleeper

Start ‘Em: Jay Cutler, Bears

While the Carolina Panthers have been solid in their pass defense, ranking 14th in the NFL, they will be put to the test against a Bears’ offense that will open up the air attack with a barrage of run plays early.

Sit ‘Em: Steve Smith, Panthers

With Charles Tillman covering the speedy receiver with the help of the safeties over top, Cam Newton and Steve Smith just won’t have the room to make big plays like they were earlier this season.

Sleeper: Dane Sanzenbacher, Bears

While there are better options at wide receiver for Cutler to throw to, Sanzenbacher has become one of Jay Cutler’s go-to guys in the red zone. If he gets 5 catches, at least one will be a touchdown.

What They’re Saying

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith told the Charlotte Observer about the departure of former defensive coordinator and new head coach of the Panthers Ron Rivera:

“I’ll tell you, we’re really living in the past today. Ron Rivera did a great job for us when he was here,” Smith added. “Each year, you as a head coach decide on what direction you’re going forward. That’s what I decided. I went in a different direction there. No more than that – nothing personal. I wasn’t disappointed in the job he did here. It’s worked out for both of us.”

Cam Newton told the Chicago Tribune about his relationship with teammate and former Chicago Bears tight end Greg Nelson, and how he can get overexcited:

“Um, well, knowing Greg, he probably thinks that he is. And he just makes every situation bigger than it really is. Numerous times in each game, Greg’s ‘moment’ has been something that everybody laughs at. Greg just thinks he’s the guy, changes plays. He over-thinks it while we’re in timeouts, just talking,

‘What’s the play [Newton]? Well, Cam, if they gave us this.’ ‘Greg, I’ve been practicing all week. I know this thing.’ He thinks he’s the coach of the field, which is a good thing. You need guys like that. And that shows you his professionalism,” Newton said.

Bears Player to Watch: Matt Forte

With a subpar Carolina Panthers run defense, the Chicago Bears will look to exploit these weakness and use it as a way to keep the often sacked Jay Cutler off his back and out of trouble. Expect a big day from the Bears’ back.

Panthers Player to Watch: Cam Newton

This is a very intriguing matchup for Newton, and this will be a huge matchup to be used as a measuring stick for the future development of Newton as a star in the NFL. While it may not be a victory this Sunday, as long as he shows improvements this will be a great learning tool.

Key Matchup: Panthers’ Running Game vs. Bears’ Linebackers

The Panthers’ dual run threat of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams has been stifled for the first three weeks of the season and if Carolina wants to have any chance of winning against the Bears, they need to break through the tough wall of Chicago linebackers.

Prediction: Chicago Bears 24, Carolina Panthers 16

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