[CBFF] Bears @ SD Predictions

[Jerry Madsen]

On 9/5/07, Steve Behrens <steve.behrens at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> 1)  Bears have nothing to lose, no pressure; should be loose and ready for
> anything.

I actually heard that starting the season against the Chargers might
be the best thing for the team.  There's no chance for them to get
comfortable.

> 2)  LT hasn't played one snap of preseason football; IE hasn't taken one hit
> in anger by an opponent, and everyone expects him to come out on top of his
> game against the Bears defense?

That means nothing.  He ran for 131 yards in 1 TD against Oakland last
year, and in spite of their struggles, they still had a good defense
last year.

> 3)  Bear have great rotation on D-line and at ends to keep it fresh.  Doubt
> the Dolts O-line has such rotation.

They have one of the best O-lines in the league.  It will be tough for
our d-line to stay fresh if the Chargers lead in TOP.

> 4) Regardless of what ESPN say, the Dolts really don't have a WR that can
> scare our DB's in any way, shape or form.

That's very true.  Sadly, how do you attack the cover-2?  With your
TE.  And the Chargers have one of the best.

> 5) That leaves Mike Brown, Archulletta, and our linebackers to cover Gates.

Guys who are stout against the runs, but short and liabilities against
the pass.  Frankly, I'm confused why both are starting.  We're
essentially starting two strong safeties and no free safeties.

> 6)  The Dolts have a brand new coaching staff, which usually creates
> problems for the first game.

That's true.  In fact Norm Turner has a losing record as a head coach.

> 7)  The Dolts have 2 new starting LB's this year.

That's news to me.  I'm sure Ron Turner will be exploiting them.

> 8) Rivers fumbled just as many times as Rex did in the regular season last
> year.

And LT fumbled twice last year, losing only one.

> 9) Mike Brown and Tommie Harris

...are both coming off injury.

> 10) No one, and I mean *NO ONE* other than the Bears, know what plays and
> routs Olsen will be running on Sunday.  (Hear that Rivera!!?!?, you
> snitching SOB, you!)

Chico's sharing info won't be a factor.  Never is.  Think he can tell
the Chargers anything they can't see on tape?

> 11) No one, and I mean *NO ONE*, other than the Bears, know what plays and
> routs Hester will be running on Sunday (Rivera, is that sweat I see on your
> brow?)

Hester will be lucky to catch one pass.

> 12) Did I mention Devan Hester?  I mean in a special teams sort of way? And
> the rest of the #1 special teams unit?

They'll be kicking away from him.

> 13) skipping for good luck

Me too.

> 14)No one, and I mean *NO ONE* other than the Bears (and Jerry), know what
> to expect out of Benson (who's suppose to get stronger as the game wears
> on).  This could be as much of a positive as a negative.....

Benson claims he gets better as the game wears on.  I hope he's right.

> 15) Berrian.... not recognized yet as a top 5 rec'r, (in my best Yoda
> voice)  but he will be, he wiiiiilllll be......

Tru dat, yo.

> 16) Nike..... The Bears will provide proof of the difference between fantasy
> and reality.

LOL.

> 17) Last, but not least:  Rex.  Rex may make a mistake or two, but his
> production will make you forget about those mistakes. It's been a looooong
> off and pre-season and he's chomping at the bit to stick it all up every
> naysayer's keester.  When Rex is on, he's twice the QB Rivers is.  He'll be
> on.
>

I agree.  Rex will have a killer season.  Pro-bowl season.  Just don't
know if he'll be enough to beat San Diego.

Jerry