Chicago Bears: Schedule Prediction Post Bridgewater Injury
By Erik Lambert
Game 9 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
No doubt that they’re a better team than they were last season, but so are the Bears. The Buccaneers made a bold decision replacing Lovie Smith with Dirk Koetter at head coach. Jameis Winston looks improved but that defense still needs to show people it can be better. Considering Chicago beat them in the same venue last year with what was a less talented and more banged up roster, it’s fair to expect similar results.
Result: Win
Game 10 @ New York Giants
This is another disadvantageous matchup. Eli Manning is still a Pro Bowl quarterback who seems to have a slew of weapons at his disposal. Odell Beckham is a superstar. Victor Cruz finally appears healthy and rookie Sterling Shepard is already making noise. It’s unreasonable to believe the Bears secondary can slow that potential juggernaut down. Unless Cutler is prepared for a shootout, the expectation here is obvious.
Result: Loss
Game 11 vs. Tennessee Titans
This has the feel of one of those sneaky good teams. The Titans are nowhere near a finished product. More like a collection of solid talents still searching for an identity. Marcus Mariota should be a really good player and he has the makings of a beefy ground attack to lean on with Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry. Still the Bears defense keeps this young team in check.
Result: Win
Game 12 vs. San Francisco 49ers
It’s hard not to look at who the San Francisco 49ers are and not think “hot mess.” How the Bears lost to this team last year is still mind-boggling. Chip Kelly is expected to fix their problems on offense but the early indications don’t look promising. With an improve defense going against a group that hasn’t change much, this time Chicago will get the ending it wants.
Result: Win
Next: 4th