Chicago Bears @ San Diego Chargers – Preview

By Ha Kung Wong  Chicago Bears @ San Diego Chargers

Twitter: @FBGarbageTime

Believe it or not, the Chicago Bears are doing better than the San Diego Chargers.  But, unfortunately, it’s simply because the Bears have had a bye week whereas the Chargers haven’t yet.

So now the 2-5 Bears will go face the 2-6 Chargers on the road in what promises to be one of the most meaningless high scoring games in the league.

Chicago Bears @ San Diego Chargers

Bears Offense

The Bears are dealing with serious injuries, as RB Matt Forte strained an MCL against the Vikings, leaving rookie 4th round draft pick Jeremy Langford in charge.  Forte was the NFL’s leading rusher through the first six weeks (507 yards) and has 767 all-purpose so far.  Langford will have big shoes to fill on Monday, and, according to ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson, Jay Cutler, in typical Cutler form, had this to say about moving forward with Langford:

“We have no choice.  Matt [Forte] is not coming back. Not this game anyways, I don’t think.”

Wow, no wonder Cutler is such a great leader.  Well said, sir.  Well said.  But regardless of what you may think of Cutler’s lack of tack, he isn’t wrong.  The Bears don’t have a choice.  Langford had 46 yards on 12 carries against Minnesota once Forte went out, but had a soul killing drop in the fourth quarter.

In addition, WR Eddie Royal, who was second in Chicago in terms of catches with 26, injured his left knee and is unlikely to play on Monday.  This leaves Alshon Jeffery paired with Marquess Wilson.

The Chargers haven’t been stout on defense, giving up the sixth-most rushing yards per game (124.6) in the NFL, and have been decidedly mediocre in passing defense with 238 passing yards allowed per game and 14 total passing TDs.  But unfortunately, the Bears are in the bottom half in passing yards per game (223).  Langford will need to be a quick study to take advantage of the Chargers lack of run defense, and to help buy Cutler time to get the ball downfield.  If not, it could be a long day for the Bears offense.

Bears Defense

Philip Rivers passed for 301 yards in Week 8 and topped 300 yards for a franchise-best fifth consecutive game. He’s also leading the NFL with 2,753 passing yards (almost 250 yards more than even Tom Brady), adding 13 touchdowns and three interceptions.  Of course, with Keenan Allen, the receiver with the third most receiving yards in the NFL, out for the season with a lacerated spleen, and Ladarius Green also dealing with a limiting injury, Rivers might be less prolific this week.

In fact, the Bears have allowed the fourth fewest passing yards per game (214.3) but strangely have allowed the fourth most passing TDs (16). In addition, they haven’t been very good at hawking the ball with only four interceptions so far this season.

Antonio Gates is also dinged up, but is likely to play and be heavily targeted by Rivers.  In addition, Stevie Johnson, recently back from injury, and Malcolm Floyd will also have to play larger roles.  Part of the reason why Rivers throws the ball so much may actually be the fact that the Chargers ground game has been terrible.  In fact, the Chargers have the fourth lowest rushing yards per game in the NFL (86.4) this year.  And now with Brandon Oliver on the shelf, an underachieving Melvin Gordon may be all they have left.  Sure, Danny Woodhead is there, but he’s a better pass catching back than between the tackles runner.  The Bears have actually allowed the fourth most rushing yards per game (128) in the NFL, so something has to give here.

Prediction

The Chargers are around the middle allowing 23.9 points per contest. The Bears are giving up the fourth most points per game at 28.9.  But both offenses will look different in Week 9 due to all the injuries on offense.

The Bears have lost two games in a row by 3 points.  It’s nothing to be proud of, but it’s a vast improvement as compare to the beginning of the season.  I think Langford keeps the Chargers defense honest while the Bears defense manage to put pressure on Rivers and cause a turnover or two, allowing the Bears to reverse the trend and win this one by 3.

Chicago Bears 27 – San Diego Chargers 24