Bears must correct sloppy play in Cincinnati

The Bears have shown us that they are not an elite unit, but with a solid matchup in Cincinnati, they can prove that they are still contenders. If Chicago plans on being a playoff team this is the type of game they simply must start winning; otherwise they are well on their way to another middling season.


When their rushing game is held in check, the Bengals have trouble winning. Chicago is fourth in rushing yards allowed and top ten in ypc allowed. Cedric Benson has been running well this season and he may have some extra motivation against his old team, but if the Bears can hold Michael Turner to 30 yards, I fully expect them to keep Benson under control.

That leaves me wondering, "Will the Bears be able to defend Ochocinco and company?" Good question. If Charles Tillman is allowed to blanket Ochocinco, he should be able to hold him to a modest day, although it will be a interesting matchup to watch. The problem is that Cincinnati has other, solid options at receiver. As always, the Bears pass defense will rely heavily on getting pressure.

With Tommie Harris not expected to play, we have a chance to see who is right: Harris critics point to his stats (9 tackles, no sacks), while his supporters claim that he demands extra attention from blockers that provides a boon to his fellow linemen. Marcus Harrison should show us exactly how expendable Harris is at this point in his career.

The defense played pretty well last week against a very good offense, the main culprit was this miscue that lead to a long touchdown for Roddy White.

While Chicago hasn't clawed it's way into the upper tier of NFL teams, the offense has impressed. If the unit would just cut down on it's mistakes, it could become a force to be reckoned with. Cincinnati and Chicago both have five interceptions and three fumble recoveries on defense, so this may be a chance for  Cutler and Company to prove that they are not the mistake prone unit of weeks 1 and 6.

The Bears need to clean up their sloppy play on both sides. Limiting their mistakes will win this game for Chicago.


Extra Points:

• Gaines Adams will be playing his first game as a Chicago Bear, it will be interesting to see how the DE rotation will change.
• Both of Cincinnati's losses have come at home.
• Peterson is doubtful. If Forte struggles again will we see more of Garret Wolfe? I was very surprised by how well he played in Atlanta and feel that he should have gotten more work considering the way Forte played. Wolfe was the better back last week.