We predict a very cold and hostile environment for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday when they visit Soldier Field in the windy city, home of the Chicago Bears. Both teams are coming off a bye week and have prepared for this encounter so much that the rest has improved the chances of some key players to come back for both teams.
The San Francisco 49ers offensive left guard ex Dallas Cowboy, Larry Allen who was out with an injured knee ligament and left tackle Jonas Jennings out with a bruised finger on his hand and a reported sprained ankle will most likely complete the 49ers offensive line this week. Frank Gore and Alex Smith should benefit very much from the return of these two veteran offensive linesmen both will receive better protection.
Frank Gore (112 carries for 520 yards and 3 touchdowns) recently nursing an abdomen strain will have his work cut out for him but receives the benefit of Larry Allen leading his blocks this week. Alex Smith (109 completions for 1285 yards and 8 touchdowns) has thrown 4 interceptions and has been sacked 13 times and has had to adjust since losing tight end Vernon Davis out with a broken fibula. Davis’ replacement Eric Johnson has caught three passes in the last three games he’s played and is expected to start against the Bears.
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Although the 49er offensive line has replenished some, they will have to face a tough Chicago Bear defense. Brian Urlacher had a career 19 tackles – 11 solo – and forced a fumble from star running back Edgerrin James that was returned for a touch down by Charles Tillman. The Chicago Bear defense proved they are among the best in the NFL by scoring the points that their offensive line miscued against the Arizona Cardinals to bring them back from a 20 plus point deficit to win the game and dishearten an Arizona Cardinal quarterback Matt Leinhart.
The Bear defense has allowed five touchdowns and forced 17 turnovers permitting an average of 9.8 points and 267.7 yards per game. Both marks are second in the NFL. Although the Bears have lost starting safety Mike Brown who underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his right foot, the defense will count with Brian Urlacher, Adewale Oguleye (back from a hamstring injury) and Alex Brown.
Pass rushing specialist Oguleye will be matched up against a nagging injury plagued Jonas Jennings while Urlacher takes on full back Moran Harris. Kwame Harris will split time with Adam Snyder controlling rookie Mark Anderson who leads the NFL rookies with a team high 6.5 sacks. On paper these two teams seem mismatched with an advantage going to the Chicago Bears but the winning factor will be in the offensive.
In spite of the advantage the Chicago Bears offensive must be lead to a victory by Rex Grossman who had a very untidy game against the Arizona Cardinals before their bye week. Grossman threw four interceptions and lost two fumbles in a career worst performance with 14 of 37 tosses completed for only 144 yards. Fortunately the San Francisco 49er defensive line is one of the worst in the league and will be somewhat of an easy chore to handle for the Bear offense.
The ground attack will be in the hands of Bears’ running back Thomas Jones (116 carries for 432 yards and 2 touchdowns) and may prove to be Jones’ best performance against a San Francisco defense that has allowed 634 rushing yards. In the air attack quarterback Rex Grossman will look to connect with wide receivers Muhsin Muhammed and Bernard Berrian over 49ers’ cornerbacks Shawntae Spencer and the seasoned Walt Harris, who have been San Francisco’s most consistent. Needless to say Grossman must play a stellar game in order to wash his face with his last performance and this defense is a great opportunity to do so.
All in all, it is a game that will most likely be defined by a Chicago Bear defense out ruling a weak San Francisco 49ers offense. If the Bear offense can click just as well a very possible rout will take place.
With an opening line of Chicago -16 and a total of 42 points we recommend San Francisco plus the points and a total under. Of the two teams, neither hass a high scoring offense and the Bear defense might just repeat its spanking of the Cardinals on the Niners to keep the game under since it’s improbable that the later will score much.
