Alright so this isn’t the most anticipated game this week, but it is one of the big games down in Nashville. The Chicago Bears come in leading the NFC North (6-1), with several players that originally played in Nashville at Vanderbilt, including quarterback Jay Cutler. The Bears are looking for a win to keep atop their division and the Titans are just looking for a win after a shaky start.
How the Titans can win: The Titans need to establish a running game with Chris Johnson against a number one rush defense. Is CJ2K really back? Johnson has been averaging 5.6 yards per carry the last 5 games and has to find and take advantage of any holes. Although the passing attack led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is important, Hasselbeck needs to be aware of Chicago cornerbacks Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman. With several dropped passes the past couple weeks by different receivers, going down the field may not be a good idea. The Titans have to play the complete 60 minutes to stop the strong looking Bears.
How the Bears can win: The Bears just really need to be consistent with what they have already been doing. The Titans defense is ranked 21st allowing over 420 yards per game. The Bears will rely on Cutler to pull off the win, after all he has a 132.0 4th quarter rating. The offensive line must protect Cutler and will see the blitz coming toward him all day. The defense will have to put pressure on deep threats and the line must stay strong to stop Chris Johnson. Look for Jennings to get at least one interception and for Tillman, the NFC player of the Month in October to be all over the place.
The Pick: Bears 24-13
Home field advantage won’t even come into play and the inconsistent Titans won’t be able to get the job done….again.
