Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts: Week 5 Preview
By Erik Lambert
The Chicago Bears are trying to claw their way back into the NFC North fold, but they’ll have to get by an equally desperate Indianapolis Colts team to do so.
Background:
Two teams that know their season hangs in the balance. Not many teams in NFL history have been able to overcome a 1-3 start to make the playoffs. It’s even rarer if that moves to 1-4. So this game really is do-or-die for the Bears and Colts. Indianapolis has the advantage of home field but are coming off a long flight back from London. Chicago is also riding some momentum from their first victory of the season. So odds are this is going to be a borderline desperate battle between two teams trying to stay afloat.
Injury Report:
Kevin White (ankle) – This is really an unfortunate loss for the Bears. The former 1st round pick was really starting to play well at wide receiver. Then an awkward tackle resulted in a severe high ankle sprain and fractured fibula. Now White is out for at least eight weeks and maybe the season depending the severity of the injury. This not only hurts his development but also the Bears’ offense and what they can do in the passing game.
Donte Moncrief (shoulder) – Chicago won’t be the only offense short-handed. The Colts also could be missing one of their key pass targets. Donte Moncrief had really established himself as a quality #2 option for Luck opposite T.Y. Hilton. His absence the past two games has been noticeable. Odds are his lingering shoulder problem will keep him out against as he did not practice all week. It will once again be on the individual brilliance of Luck to compensate for the loss.
Key Matchup:
Bryce Callahan vs. T.Y. Hilton
It will also be on star receiver T.Y. Hilton to carry more of the load. He remains the big play threat he’s always been. The problem is teams have been able to concentrate their coverage on him due to the lack of weaponry elsewhere. He’ll be going against up and coming young cornerback Bryce Callahan who enjoyed an excellent game last week, shutting down Golden Tate. The Bears have growing confidence in him and likely will line him up across from Hilton most of the game.
Prediction: Colts win 27-20
The reality is the advantages lean in favor of Indianapolis. They are at home and they have the clear superiority at quarterback. Andrew Luck is flat out better than Brian Hoyer. Not to mention the fact Chicago has clear issues with their pass rush due to injuries. Those two factors will play key in this game.