Week One Predictions-Chicago Bears vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
5.Cincinnati @ Chicago, Outcome- Cincinnati 21 Chicago 24
With a new head coach, defensive and offensive coordinators, the Bears enter the season looking as fresh as ever. The most important off-season additions to the Bears would be the additions of OTs Jermon Bushrod and Kyle Long to reassure the Bears horrendously bad offensive line. The real question last year was protecting Jay Cutler (sacked 41 times last season, 8th most in the NFL last season) and for the most part Cutler and the Bears offense overcame the Bears gap in O-linemen and went on to go 10-6. Although the Bears did have the most high-scoring and dominant Defenses in the NFL (ranked 5th in yardage, 8th in sacks, 1st in takeaways with 44 takeaways and 10 return touchdowns) , the Cutler-Marshall connection just plainly can’t be stopped (1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012). As well, the tandem of Matt Forte and Michael Bush are one of the best in the game, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012, will probably repeat that mark this season, starting with these lonely Bengals. However, this rushing feat will be incredibly hard considering the Bengals’ very stout rushing defense. This game should be a predominantly rushing contest as both teams have very strong running games, but at the same time very respectable passing games. The Bengals especially, with Giovanni Bernard and ‘The Law Firm’ Benjarvus Green-Ellis running the ball, should tear it up on the ground and not have to rely on Andy Dalton and A.J. Green to produce points. But, in the grand scheme of things, this Bears defense is absolutely dominant, even without Brian Urlacher and should hold up pretty smoothly against the skilled Cincinnati Rushing attack.