The Chicago Bears enter Sunday’s matchup coming off of a disappointing 10-3 loss to their division rivals in the Green Bay Packers. While the offense was anemic and ineffectual against the Pack, their defense showed glimpses of the Midway Monsters of the past, holding Green Bay to just 47 yards rushing, 203 yards passing, a field goal and a single touchdown.
The Broncos enter the week after a loss on the road where they allowed an Antonio Brown-less Oakland Raiders team light them up at home for over 350 yards and three touchdowns in a 24-16 loss that leaves them at 0-1.
According to TickPick, a secondary ticket marketplace, #Broncos v. #Bears is the most expensive #NFL ticket of Week 2. The avg. purchase price is $391. #Packers–#Vikings second at #311. #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/uG2Q3WnDxE
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) September 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/BroncosOutside/status/1171786091432534016
Game Info
Date: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019
Start time: 2:25 p.m. EDT
Location: Denver, CO
Stadium: Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Series History: Broncos lead series (8-7)
TV Info: FOX
Prediction
This is one of those games that’s a ‘must-win’ for both teams. Both had losses in the first week of an NFL season. Such behavior is not conducive to Super Bowl ambitions.
It is, perhaps, more disappointing to the Bears, as their defense played an almost perfect game, forcing the Packers to punt nine times, settle for a field goal, and score only one touchdown. They played a textbook defensive game.
In fact, just one game into the 2019 season, the Bears have the league’s second-ranked defense, behind only the Baltimore Ravens, who are top-ranked only because they played the Miami Dolphins.
The problem was that their offense (ranked 28th) just did not show up. They were there, but it was like the lights are on but nobody was home.
While everyone seems all too willing to place the blame on Bears QB Mitch Trubisky’s shoulders, there’s enough blame to go around. The Bears had 46 yards rushing in the game, while Trubisky threw for 228 yards and a single interception.
I’m sure that the five sacks the young signal-caller suffered were of no help either.
The Bears have to regroup and do a much better job of game planning if they hope to win on Sunday. If they bring that same lame game plan, they will lose, as they should.
The Broncos enter the game recipients of a beat-down by a mediocre Oakland Raiders team. In a rather ironic twist, their loss was not the fault of their offense, but their defense.
Joe Flacco had a pedestrian day, going 21-of-21 for 268 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. The Broncos’ backfield added another 95 yards.
However, their red zone instincts failed them as they had to settle for three field goals.
Their defense, as stated, was the real problem.
“I didn’t get to him once. Not even a quarterback hit so I’m disappointed in myself on an individual level. They were throwing the ball quick but we have to find a way to get there.”
– Broncos LB Von Miller on his performance Monday night against the Raiders
The Bears offense will have a real game plan and find their voice this week. Their defense will be stellar once more and be the first-ranked defense in the NFL when Week 2 is over.
The Broncos have too much wrong to make right for this game, if not this season. At some point this season, the word rebuild shall be uttered and perhaps the words John Elway and fire or dismissed in the same sentence.
There’s no way the Broncos can handle this Bears’ defense, nor will the Broncos’ defense be able to handle Trubisky and his offense looking for redemption.
Final Score prediction: Bears 31, Broncos 10
