Reviewed Game of Week 13: Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs

As a weekly post, I will be covering and predicting one chosen game each week.

Week 13: Bears vs. Chiefs

Both the Bears and the Chiefs have lost their franchise QB for the season.  While you could argue back and forth about which one was more vital to their team, they both must look forward if either wants to make the playoffs.

The Bears currently own a wildcard spot, but if they aren't careful, they could lose three of their last five games and end up a game or two short.

The Chiefs need to realize that they have potential, but they haven't yet, and with a 3-game tail behind the tough Oakland Raiders and 2 behind the ever-rising Denver Tebows, the Chiefs need a win now.  

                                                                                                              Julius Peppers is tied for 11th in sacks this season, getting to the quarterback 8 times.

The most intriguing story-line of this game is the possibility of Kyle Orton playing his old team.  Let's face it, Tyler Palko is not doing anything but hurting this offense.  They need someone who has experience leading a full NFL team.  As a head coach, Todd Haley cannot do that.  So they must rely in their quarterback.  Since the running game disappeared with Jamaal Charles in Week 2, the passing game must put forth the effort to be the primary lead on offense.  Last year, Dwayne Bowe showed his true potential, breaking the franchise record for the most receiving TDs in a single season, with 15.  While this year he only has four, he still is the biggest factor in whether or not Kansas City can pull this game off.  Kyle Orton did well last season with Brandon Lloyd running wild, but Bowe doesn't have the downhill speed that had that duo making it look easy.  Orton and Bowe will have to rely a mix of route-running and strength, two of Bowe's strong suits, to succeed.  Steve Breaston, Leonard Pope, Dexter McCluster, and Jonathan Baldwin help as a solid supporting cast, a definite edge that the Bears don't have.  But now with the team being forced to rely in a new quarterback, the positives and negatives will collide, and each can only do so much.

                              Dwayne Bowe will have to bring it all, from aggressiveness to acrobatics, if he wants to lead his team to victory this Sunday.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs could thrive.  I believe their secondary is far more dangerous than any team going up against them feels, and that could be a key in this matchup.  Caleb Hanie is not a starting quarterback.  While he is better than Palko, he is not better than Orton, and with a poor receiving corps. outside of Johnny Knox, Mike Martz's offense will have to- rather, will get to- rely on their most dangerous weapon; Matt Forte.  With the second most scrimmage yards per game, Forte is an unpredictable force of nature.  He alone could beat the Chiefs.  If Hanie likes to throw screens all day(what back-up quarterback doesn't), the Bears could have a field day.

Defensively, this game is scattered.  You never know if it'll be the Bears of 2006 that show up, or something far less intense.  When the Bears defense struggles, it is, at the worst, a slightly below average team.  Urlacher and Briggs still do what they do, and Charles Tillman is having a solid year, but the intensity seems missing.  Julius Peppers is always dangerous, whether he's having a good day or a bad day, and he can play either edge of the line.  With the Chiefs having an average at best offensive line, they must believe the Bears defense will get aggressive and try to take advantage of that.  The Chiefs defense has just about the same story, but going the opposite direction.  While the Bears seem to have toned it down a notch, the Chiefs seem to have found some energy.  Many players are breaking out this year, with Kendrick Lewis I believe being the most visible.  He is strong until the whistle blows, and even a bit after.  His adrenaline alone seems to worry quarterbacks at times.  As I said before, that secondary could now be considered elite, with Lewis as well as with the two Brandons, Carr and Flowers.  Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali are also having stellar seasons.  The big question is, can all this potential arrive at Soldier Field on Sunday and stop the rampage that is Matt Forte?  The Bears other main weapon, Devin Hester, could also be a back-breaker in this game.  It will all depend on who will show up.

Final Statement:  Without a doubt, Dwayne Bowe is Kansas City's only surefire hope.  What they'll be able to do with that hope, that's a whole other story.


Prediction: Bears 17, Chiefs 16

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