Arizona Cardinals at Chicago Bears: Open Game Thread

Arizona
Cardinals

Chicago
Bears

4-3

4-3

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.

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.