Chicago Bears: Schedule Prediction Post Bridgewater Injury
By Erik Lambert
The injury results of the past week have had a profound impact on the outlook of the Chicago Bears and their 2016 schedule.
Most people are focused on the performance in the preseason and the injury status of the roster. Pernell McPhee is becoming a PUP list candidate while Kyle Long remains out with a nagging shoulder problem. However, some of their biggest opponents this season have been getting it even worse from the injury bug. So much to the point that it should directly impact the outlook of their upcoming matchups with the Bears.
So here is a rundown of all 16 games and the new predictions to go with them.
Game1 @ Houston Texans
Panic is setting in because there’s a rumor that J.J. Watt will be back in time to play. People must keep in mind that even if it’s true, Watt likely won’t be his usual self due to the injury. Even so it’s the high-octane Texans receiving corps led by DeAndre Hopkins that will be the difference in this game.
Result: Loss
Game 2 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
It’s a completely different look for the Eagles this year. They have a rookie head coach installing an entirely new system from top to bottom with lots of new players coming in. The odds of them playing at a high level right away aren’t favorable. Sam Bradford remains an inconsistent quarterback with slow wide receivers. Not to mention a shaky offensive line.
Result: Win
Game 3 @ Dallas Cowboys
No doubt Dak Prescott has put on quite the show in preseason, but the speed is totally different in regular season. He’ll need a major assist from that great offensive line and Ezekiel Elliott to avoid any big mistakes. At the same time the Dallas defense remains a huge question mark thanks to all the suspensions to key plays. Jay Cutler always seems to play well in that stadium too.
Result: Win
Game 4 vs. Detroit Lions
No doubt Matthew Stafford and the Lions seems to have had the Bears’ number the past few years. That being said they still have a lot of problems with their offensive line and losing Calvin Johnson to retirement is not going to help matters. Most of the times these games are close and it shouldn’t be different here but the general feel is the Bears improved more than the Lions did this off-season.
Result: Win
Next: 2nd Quarter