Bears Prepare to Face Panthers in Week 4

The Chicago Bears will be looking to finish the first quarter of the regular season at 2-2 when they face the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field. Chicago is coming off two consecutive losses, while the Panthers (1-2) will be trying to ride the momentum of their first win of the season.

Returning to Chicago for the first time as a head coach will be Ron Rivera. Rivera was a linebacker for the Bears from 1984-92, and was defensive coordinator from 2004-06. Also making a return is tight end Greg Olsen. Olsen was traded to Carolina this offseason right after the NFL lockout was lifted.

The offensive line hopes to continue to make steady improvement in protecting Jay Cutler against a Panthers pass rush that really isn’t striking any fear in any offense. This may also be as good of a time for Chicago to finally display the balanced offensive attack that Lovie Smith and Mike Martz have been preaching for the past two weeks.

Last season, running back Matt Forte rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns versus Carolina, and as a team, the Bears totaled 218 yards on the ground. The Panthers are 25 th in the league in stopping the run (117.0 ypg). The possible return of running back Marion Barber would only help Chicago’s ground attack.

Cutler may also be in for a very productive day going up against the14 th ranked pass defense in the league (239.7 ypg).

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This production only will come if Cutler gets the help from his receivers. Last week, there were some crucial drops by receivers Johnny Knox, Roy Williams, and fullback Tyler Clutts.

Unfortunately, it looks like one of Cutler’s favorite targets, Earl Bennett, will miss a second consecutive game due to a chest injury sustained in Week 2.

The past two weeks, Chicago’s secondary have been torn to shreds, mainly due to the absence of veteran safety Chris Harris. Since Harris’ hamstring injury in Week 1, the Bears’ defense has surrendered six touchdown passes, and are now ranked 26 th in the league in pass defense (277.3 ypg).

In addition, tight ends have been getting their way against the Bears the past two weeks. New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham had six catches for 79 yards in Week 2, and Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley had seven catches for 85 yards and three touchdowns in Week 3.

This week won’t be any easier. Chicago will have to deal with Olsen and Jeremy Shockey, two premier tight ends. Harris’ presence will be greatly needed in defending Olsen and Shockey, but his return to the lineup is questionable. The return of second-year safety Major Wright will also benefit the Bears.

Many speculated that the Chicago Bears will struggle in the first part of the season, and would be below .500 after the first quarter of the season. The Bears’ performance in this Week 4 matchup will determine whether the critics are right or wrong.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent