Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears: Who Has the Edge?

by Andrew602 on Nov 6, 2009 3:00 AM MST

Let's take a look at the Cardinals/Bears match up to see who has the edge.

Pos.	Edge	Analysis
QB		Jay Cutler can be one of the best quarterbacks in the league when he wants to be - will it be on Sunday? Meanwhile, Kurt Warner is coming off quite possibly his worst game as a Cardinal, and needs to prove why he returned to the team for another two years.
RB	Split	Although Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower are improving the running game every week, the Cardinals still rank dead last in the NFL in rushing. Matt Forte hasn't lived up to his rookie year's expectations, but has still put together some solid games so far this season. The Bears have a higher average, but that doesn't say much.
WR		The Bears hope that Devin Hester can be the long-term answer at wide out. Aside from him, they're depth is young. The Cardinals have the best receivers in the league, but have yet to shine to their abilities. Boldin may be out, but Fitzgerald and Breaston should be fine.
TE		Greg Olsen is part of a young tight end class that is starting to make their mark in the NFL. He's been Cutler's favorite target so far this season also. Ben Patrick has produced solid play since returning from suspension after week 4, but he's not at the receiving level of Olsen.
OL	Split	Both offensive lines have had issues this year. Orlando Pace and Olin Kreutz bring experience to the Bears offensive line. The Cardinals offensive line has had problems against quick defenses, but has slowly made some production, both in passing and running situations.

Pos.	Edge	Analysis
DL		The Bears have a lot of defensive lineman that can get the job done, but nobody that will make the pro bowl anytime soon. The Cardinals had their troubles last week, but have been shut down for the most part this season.
LB		I'm giving this one to the Bears. They have Lance Briggs and an overall better stability at linebacker. The Cards 'backers have had a couple good games, but have ultimately been torched this season.
CB		The Cardinals secondary continues to improve after being burned in the beginning of the season. Through the last 3 games, they've greatly lowered the opponents passing average, going from 32nd to 20th in the league. The Bears have Charles Tillman, but are foggy after him.
S		Adrian Wilson and Antrel Rolle continue to play their best football together and are leading the secondary. Possibly startig this Sunday for the Bears will be Al Afalava and Josh Bullocks - who?
ST		The Bears have good special teams coverage, a solid kicker and punter, and Knox, Manning, and Hester returning kicks. The Cardinals special teams has been dependable this year but can't compete here.
Coach	Split	Given the talent on the team, Lovie Smith has been able to get production out of his team and keep the Bears in the division race. Whisenhunt has done the same and both coaches have taken their teams to Super Bowl and lost. Close call.
Edge	Result	Analysis
Draw	7-7	Given the similarity between the two teams, this game is too close to call. Both have had similar seasons and both stand at the same record. Giving the Bears the edge because they're at home would also be foolish given how good the Cardinals have been on the road. This game could go either way.

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Comments

The Bears OL

I do not agree with the assesment that the Cards and Bears OL are evenly matched. The game tapes that I have watched clearly show a Bear OL getting cleanly and consistently getting beat at ther point of attack. At times, they are just getting mual especially in the run game. In pass protection Cutler almost never has a clean pocket to work on the left side where Pace is.

The OL coach has designed roll-outs to help Pace. Pace is cooked. Davis needs to attack the left of the OL. The Bears OL on tape is one of the worst in the league.

by Cardsfan81 on Nov 6, 2009 7:25 AM MST reply actions

agreed

The Bears OL on tape is ~~one of~~ the worst in the league.

by TrialsBass on Nov 7, 2009 11:30 AM MST up reply actions

I think the only thing making Cutler better than Warner is his legs.

Both have been awful at times this year and both have been masterful at time. Cutler has had a game this year that he had 4 interceptions and another that he had 3 interceptions with 2 fumbles (not lost). He also has the same amount of interceptions and touchdowns as Warner with 11 and are close in passing yards, Warner has over 1900 and Cutler has almost 1700. The only real difference between the two this year is that Cutler has 1 rushing touchdown and 92 rushing yards while Warner has no rushing yards on 9 attempts and no touchdowns. Warner and Cutler are also similar in their completion percentages as Warner has a 65.4% and Cutler has a 64%.

If you look at last years numbers they were similar too:

Warner – 30 touchdowns 11 interceptions 4,583 passing yards 11 fumbles (7 lost) -2 rushing yards on 18 attempts and 67.1 completion percentage.
Cutler – 27 total touchdowns (2 rushing) 18 interceptions 5 fumbles (2 lost) 200 rushing yards on 35 attempts and 62.3 completion percentage.

As you can see very similar quarterbacks, the only differences were Cutler can run with the ball and Warner can be more accurate.

by Pyromnc on Nov 6, 2009 8:04 AM MST reply actions

The 200 rushing yards were on 57 attempts not 35.

by Pyromnc on Nov 6, 2009 8:05 AM MST up reply actions

Finally one I disagree with

Warner > Cutler
Not even close — statistically, this year, I guess they’re both pretty close, but I’d take Warner any day.

At TE, Olsen will be the best on the field, but Cutler doesn’t know how to use him. Where does that leave it?

At LB, Briggs has 1 less tackle and an INT versus Dansby. He might have a slight edge, but who do they have that beats Hayes? Or Okeafor?

I like the Bears DL with Ogunleye and Harris, but if they’re not playing up-to-speed, I’ll stick with Cards in this category.

I agree with the RB split. Forte is outperforming Hightower a little, while Wells > Wolfe.

by tw3kr on Nov 6, 2009 12:44 PM MST reply actions

Warner

I concur with the above, Cutler over Warner, seriously? Cutler may be one of the most physically gifted QBs I have ever seen, but Warner is accurate and heady most of the time forget about last week alright!)

http://undrafteds.com/

by Undrafteds on Nov 6, 2009 1:22 PM MST reply actions