It’s here, it’s really here! The NFL season kicked off Thursday night with the Chiefs doing Chiefs things by putting a hurtin’ on the Texans. Sunday, every other team gets their own turn to see what they’re made of and that of course includes the Chicago Bears.
These mascot things are kind of turrible.
Week 1 sees them taking on the Detroit Lions in Detroit so we’ll see Matthew Stafford and company (including Adrian Peterson – weird!) for the first of two times this season.
What’s gonna happen? Let’s try to find out!
Offense
Obviously, the biggest story for the Bears was who was going to be the QB. We all know its Mitch, but I think part of that decision came because of his recent success against the Lions. Over his last 3 starts against the Lions, Mitchy Touchdowns was 68 for 91 for 866 yards, 9 TDs and just 1 pick. That gives him a passer rating of 132.56 in those 3 previous games. I’ve got to think those results helped push Mitch into the starter role among other things knowing the Lions were the week 1 opponent.
Mitch has had some LOW yards per attempt, especially last season. I’d love to see the Bears open it up with some more medium range balls, 10-15 yards at least, to stretch the field. That only is going to happen if the offensive line can provide him time to throw and if that same offensive line can actually run block for Montgomery. Without a decent run game, the defense can have their way with you as we saw many times last season.
Speaking of Montgomery, it is looking like he’ll play, as his groin injury was made out to be a bigger issue than it was according to his backfield mate, Tarik Cohen. For the passing game to work, we have to run the ball. Nagy has to get away from the cutesy crap and just pound it between the tackles with Montgomery. Cohen is more of a scat back so its wildly transparent what they are going to do running wise when he’s in the game. Message for Nagy: 
Defense
Right now, it seems like the biggest question mark is Robert Quinn, who hasn’t practiced all week and overall, and is highly unlikely to play on Sunday. Obviously, I’d love to see him out there, but if he can’t go (an ankle apparently?), gotta have that next man up mentality. In this case, that would be Barkevious Mingo. GREAT NAME. I think I’ll just call him Bingo.
Khalil Mack was also limited in practice this week, but I almost look at that as just protecting their most valuable asset. Said the issue was a knee, so hopefully it is nothing more than rest for him.
The front seven needs to dominate to allow the secondary the freedom to roam and make plays. That is always the case with any team but especially against the Lions and Stafford. He likes to air it out and can do so with some great receivers in Golloday, Jones Jr and Amendola. Lest we forget second year standout at Tight End, TJ Hockenson. He’s a tough matchup for any linebacking core but between the speed of Smith and Travathan, hopefully they can keep him in check.
Additionally, I’m excited to not only see the play of Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller, but rookie Jaylon Johnson. They’ve been very high on him in camp and it shows, as he’ll be starting opposite Fuller. His first game will definitely be a challenge with the experienced WR group Detroit has, along with Stafford that gets that group those balls.
Special Teams
The return game is strong, we all know that. The Bears have 4 viable options as returners, and they are all some of the best in the league. Patterson, Cohen, new arrival Ted Ginn Jr and Anthony Miller can all break the game open.
Spoiler alert, he scored.
Kicking wise, Pinero is out with an injury and I haven’t seen a timetable on his return so insert…Cairo Santos.
Please God.
He played a few games with the Bears back in 2017 but I’m not holding my breath. Just don’t want this game to come down to a last second FG so I’m sure it will. D’oh.
Prediction?
The Bears are gonna come out a little slow, but a strong effort on defense keeps them in it. Mitch picks it up and gets in rhythm in the second half, leading the Bears to their first victory of the season. Club Dub is open for business.
Bears 27
Lions 16
Game Day Food
At our house, we like to eat the food of the opposing teams city. When it comes to Detroit, the best option you can get is to heat a can of beans over a open trash fire in a dark alley. LOL. Kidding aside, Detroit has some fun options but the first two that come to mind are Coney Dogs or Detroit Style Pizza.
Do you, eat some good grub and as always…
Bear Down.
GO BEARS! 