Bears Look to Get Back on Track Versus Chiefs

With half of their AFC West schedule out of the way, the Chicago Bears look to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Oakland Raiders last week. The Bears (7-4) will host the 4-7 Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs are riding the rough wave of a four-game losing streak, while Chicago is trying to start another winning streak in the latter part of the regular season.

With one full game as a NFL starting quarterback under his belt, Caleb Hanie will try to improve on an up-and-down performance from last week. The fact that Kansas City is giving up an average of 225.3 passing yards per game (12 th in the league), might be of some help for Hanie. However, what will really help the fourth-year pro is production on the ground.

Matt Forte has been held under 100 yards for the past three weeks, and his production in the running game will be vital. Along with Marion Barber, Chicago’s two-headed backfield should take advantage of the Chiefs’ porous front seven that is giving up an average of 133.7 yards per game (26 th in the league).

Chicago’s defense has recorded at least one takeaway over the past five games. With Kansas City’s uncertainty at their quarterback position, the Bears will definitely have the advantage of continuing this trend.

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Chiefs’ quarterback Tyler Palko has thrown six interceptions in the last two games, which are his only starts of his two-year career, and has no touchdown passes. Waiting in the wings for Kansas City is former Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton. The Chiefs claimed Orton off waivers last week, and with very little opportunity to gel with his new team, Chicago just might have a turnover feast with either quarterback under center.

On special teams, Robbie Gould has shown his accuracy and kicking power as of late, and will be relied upon in the kicking game. As for the punting and return game, things will have to improve from last week’s game. The Raiders did an excellent job of making Devin Hester a nonfactor in the field position game, especially with an 80-yard punt by Raiders punter Shane Lechler. Though punts like that are very rare, Chicago will have to find ways to win the battle of field position if put in the same predicament.

This is the first of the last two home games for the Chicago Bears this regular season, and may be the start of some momentum going into a possible postseason appearance. Continued solid play from the defense, along with needed adjustments from the offense and special teams will definitely help build the confidence and the much-needed leadership of Hanie on the crucial backend of this regular season.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent