KEYS TO THE GAME
CHICAGO BEARS @ SAN FRANSISCO 49ERS
Offense: Execute
San Francisco’s defense is similar in style to the Arizona Cardinals. On a short week, that should ease the preparation. Jay Cutler and the Bears offense had 65 snaps against the Cardinals hybrid 3-4, which is what the 49ers deploy defensively. Screens worked well against the Cardinals. Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and Matt Forte all produced solid catch and run gains increasing the tempo of the offense and moving the chains. Tennessee screened the 49ers in similar fashion. Cutler will have to know where 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis is on the field at all times. He is a Pro Bowl talent, a force and a playmaker.
Defense: Believe
Believe and achieve. A tough-minded, disciplined defense must show up in San Francisco. Lovie Smith is asking every player to lead by doing his job and his job only…not only day-to-day, snap-to-snap. Twice in three games, the Bears have been gouged in the run game, so stopping Frank Gore is paramount. He gets 5.6 yards on every carry plus five rushing touchdowns. Gore is also getting 8.6 yards on 22 receptions plus one touchdown. Second player to stop is Tight End Vernon Davis. He leads the 49ers with seven receiving touchdowns on 42 catches. QB Alex Smith threw it 45 times Sunday against the Titans but was intercepted three times, fumbled twice, and was sacked four times.
Special Teams: Dominate
This is an area the Bears can win every week, because they are deep and talented. The 49ers use Brandon Jones on punt returns and Michael Robinson on kickoff returns. Punter Andy Lee is averaging 48 yards on his kicks, and veteran Joe Nedney has booted nine field goals in 11 attempts. The Bears return game will always threaten with Danieal Manning, Johnny Knox, and Devin Hester. A big play here could spark a much-needed win.
Intangibles: Conquer the emotion
This is a challenge the Bears did not meet in Cincinnatti where the Bengals rallied around Cedric Benson. The 49ers are a wounded team suffering through a four game losing streak under Bears hall of famer Mike Singletary. We assume the 49ers will want to win this game for their head coach. The Bears have allowed a league worst 35 points on opening drives on five touchdowns. Flipping the switch emotionally and stopping the 49ers early will be key on this NFC roadtrip after a rough loss.
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