San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears: 5 Things to Watch For

The San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears matchup will be less about playoff implications and more about draft position. Not to mention coaching futures.

At the same time the subplots for both teams going into this game are intriguing. Despite difficult records, both teams have young pieces in place that point to a brighter future provided they can continue to build their rosters properly. This game is going to offer insight into what the teams will do and must do over the coming months to improve their fortunes.

For now though what should fans be aware of in this contest?

Jimmy G vs. Mr. Biscuit

There is no doubt that this will be a game billed on hope. Jimmy Garoppolo was traded for by the 49ers in order to give them a new direction at quarterback. His growth in that offense will be exciting to watch. At the same time the Bears have high hopes of their own with Mitch Trubisky. Despite some recent struggles he has shown flashes of capability. Seeing these two go head to head is hopefully a preview of a bright new future among NFL quarterbacks.

An era ending and an era beginning

Kyle Shanahan is hoping to build his own legacy in San Francisco, finally emerging from the shadow of his father. Even as his adventure begins, another may be coming to an end in a sad but all-too-typical fashion. John Fox was among the most respected coaches in football for years. Unfortunately he has proven unequal to the task before him in Chicago, winning just 12 games in three years so far. A loss to San Francisco may very well send him down in flames and into retirement.

Who has the worse wide receivers?

This game may be focused on the two young quarterbacks but lingering in the background is also the genuine concern of how bad the wide receiving groups are. Neither team has a receiver over 600 yards for the season and that’s with five games remaining. San Francisco seems to have the advantage on paper with Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin. Nonetheless both teams struggle a lot with dropped footballs. It could be an ugly afternoon.

The return of Danny Trevathan

The Bears defense has desperately missed Danny Trevathan this season. No where is that clearer than their run defense. Chicago has allowed 159 yards rushing or more in three out of four games he hasn’t played this season. So getting him back after three weeks dealing a calf injury is most welcome. Especially with the San Francisco 49ers hoping to establish Carlos Hyde early in the game. Trevathan will hopefully be the shot in the arm they need.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: AFC Desperately Tries to Balance QB Power

Fangio audition?

All signs point to Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio making his exit in 2018 when his contract expires. This despite rumors the team wants to retain him. The general belief is he might head back west and a reunion with the 49ers is certainly possible. After all they tried to lure him away this off-season but Chicago blocked them from discussing a return. This game could be a golden opportunity for Fangio to remind his old team why they never should’ve let him go.