Bears: Status of 3 J's (Jay, Jason, Josh); Another Test Game vs 49ers week 11
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Former Chicago Bear, @Twaddle87 said it best on ‘NFL Total
Access’ prior to the Bears week 10 loss versus
Houston Texans. “Whichever team wins the turnover battle will win this game.”
That is exactly what happened. Houston Texans defense versus Chicago Bears was
a reverse role of what Bears defense has done to teams all season. Chicago fumbled
the ball from the start of the game and continued to turn it over. This was a
disappointing loss for the Bears and fans, including myself, a Chicago native.
I stated in a previous article (week 4) that the Bears true test
of the season will come in weeks ten through twelve versus Houston @
San Francisco and versus, Minnesota. Now that Minnesota had a
shocking loss to Tampa Bay Buccaneers, added to make a losing streak in a
loss following that in week 9 @Seattle Seahawks, and knocked down to third place in
NFC North, they have less appeal.
I knew earlier in the
season that Houston were playing at a high level and it turns out that both the
Texans and Bears were 7-1 when they met in Chicago on a wet rainy Soldier Field
for Sunday Night Football. This was the game the Bears needed to gain a bit of
respect, or at least heighten awareness of their potential. This loss to the
Texans is why some are not ready to take the Bears as serious contenders. They have to prove themselves in the "true test games."
The Bears can redeem themselves on Monday Night in San
Francisco, in what will be another test game. 49ers have a strong defense just as
the Bears, and they can present to Chicago what Houston defense showcased against them.It did not help that quarterback Jay Cutler was injured and
missed the second half of the game with a concussion. His status for week 11 is
unknown. They are expected to resign veteran quarterback, Josh McCown. Sources show 49ers quarterback, Alex Smith has cleared his concussion tests and
is ok to start Monday night hosting the Bears.
No. 2
quarterback Jason Campbell, whose jersey happens to be number 2, hasn’t proved
himself in Chicago, although he fairly managed the
football in Cutler’s absence. He is next in line of the three ‘J’s’ in Chicago's QB depth chart, Jay, Jason, and Josh.
Whether or not Jay Cutler plays in MNF week 11, their QB
needs to make plays, sound decisions, and protect the ball. Also they need to establish an effective ground game, and their defensive
unit needs to outplay the 49ers defense This is a must win for the Bears
and will be a statement game.
Will Chicago bounce back with a win over San Fran? Will
their season go downhill as it did in 2011 after Jay Cutler suffered a broken thumb? Can Jason Campbell or Josh McCown lead the Chicago Bears?
Will Special Teams step up for Devin Hester?
Many questions and one point to prove
After their loss to Texans, Hester said, ‘this is one of
those teams we may face especially if we make it to the Promised Land.” The
Bears said they used this loss as a valuable learning lesson.
49ers vs Bears, 11/19/12, 8:30PM EST, ESPN
Nate Gray
@nategrayzone
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