Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears – Q&A with ChiCitySports.com
Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Happy Saturday Cat Crave Nation!! We are 24-hours away from the Carolina Panthers hosting the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. For those that are unfamiliar with the foe, myself and Zack Pearson of ChiCitySports.com discuss all things Bears vs. Panthers. We break down each others’ teams and try to delve a little deeper to gain insight into the opponent. Head over to ChiCitySports.com to see my answers to Zack’s questions. Thank you Zack, for your time.
THE BEARS’ DEFENSE HAS ENDURED A LOT OF INJURIES. WHAT AREA ON THE CHICAGO DEFENSE IS YOUR BIGGEST CONCERN, AND HOW CAN CAROLINA EXPLOIT THIS WEAKNESS?
The Bears defense as a whole is a big concern. Last week they were exposed due to the lack of pass rush, but a lot of people forgot that Jared Allen was out and arguably one of their best defensive tackles Jeremiah Ratliff was out. If Ratliff doesn’t play this weekend, the defensive line could be a big concern.
The Panthers can expose it with good protection for Cam and good run blocking. If that happens, it’s going to be another long day for the Bears defense.
WHAT’S THE FEELING AMONGST BEARS’ FANS ABOUT HAVING A LETHAL PASSING ATTACK THAT HASN’T BEEN SEEN IN CHICAGO FOR QUITE SOMETIME?
It’s a little bit overwhelming to be honest. A lot of fans love it, but believe it or not a lot of fans still aren’t used to it. They are used to the hard nosed defense and offense not putting up points.
Then you have the fans who rag Jay Cutler. Literally the worst fans ever. The Bears offense has played well this season minus a few mistakes, but it’s really nice knowing that they can put up points with the weapons they have. They are a fun offense to watch.
IS KYLE FULLER YOUR BEST ROOKIE, OR IS THERE SOMEONE ELSE FROM THE 2014 NFL DRAFT CLASS/UDFA THAT YOU SEE AS A BETTER LONG-TERM PLAYER?
Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
So far Fuller has been the Bears most impressive rookie. He really looks like he’s the real deal and will be Charles Tillmans replacement. That’s what the Bears were hoping for when they drafted him.
There are two other rookies that can make an impact but haven’t yet. Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson can be factors on the defensive line with the opportunity. I wouldn’t be shocked if one of them panned out.
DO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN JAY CUTLER AS YOUR FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK?
Personally, I do, but in Chicago, its a mix. You have the fans that thought the team would be better off with Josh McCown and the fans who think Jay can put it together.
He’s arguably the best QB we have had in the history of our franchise, so I’m confident. It’s also important to note that in his first four seasons in Chicago he had to learn a different offense in each season. He also had poor coordinators. Before Marshall and Jeffery arrived, Cutler was throwing to Johnny Knox and Devin Hester as his primary receivers. Now that he has weapons, he’s putting up solid numbers.
WHAT PLAYER ON THE PANTHERS’ OFFENSE SCARES YOU THE MOST? DEFENSE?
The Bears have struggled with mobile quarterbacks, until those quarterbacks beat themselves (ala Colin Kaepernick and Geno Smith). Newton can really expose the Bears defense and make life tough on them all game long. That’s the biggest fear for the Bears defense going into the season.
HOW IMPORTANT OF A GAME DO YOU THINK THIS IS FOR THE BEARS IN THE BIG PICTURE OF THE 2014 SEASON?
I think it’s bigger than a lot of people think. Last week was just a disaster as they had the chance to put Green Bay in a big hole early in the season. These next five games are a tough stretch for the Bears, so starting it off with a win would be HUGE.
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PREDICTION TIME. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FINAL SCORE WILL BE ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON?
Going into the season I thought the Bears would lose this game. But Carolina has struggled recently and I think the Bears offense is going to be the difference in this game. Can Carolina cover Marshall, Jeffery and Bennett? If they do, can they still shut down Forte? I think the Bears have too many weapons offensively but its going to be close. The Bears defense plays well and somehow survives.
Bears 24 Panthers 23.