Bears vs. Broncos: Game Time and Analysis

While it may not be completely Caleb Hanie’s fault, there has never been a swifter fall from grace than the Chicago Bears have experienced over the past two weeks. After their win over San Diego, the Bears looked like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Their offense was clicking, the defense was making big plays and Devin Hester provided a threat to return any kickoff or punt for a touchdown.

Fast-forward to Week 14 and the Bears are projected to not even make the playoffs, let alone win a game. That’s what injuries to your starting quarterback and running back will do. Without Jay Cutler and Matt Forte the Bears have been reduced to the equivalent of the St. Louis Rams, hopeful to steal a game against one of the league’s bottom-dwellers, but not expecting a win any time soon.

The Chicago Bears may be tied for an NFC wildcard playoff spot with Detroit and Atlanta, but they are far from the favorites to make it past Week 17.

The Broncos welcome the Bears to Denver on a five-game winning streak and looking to extend their success under QB Tim Tebow. Denver is now tied atop the NFC West with Oakland and is improving with every game. The offense may not be pretty, or conventional, but Denver’s defense has kept the Broncos in every game no matter the offensive production.

The Bears will have a unique challenge in stopping Denver’s option offense. Chicago will face a quarterback for the second time this season that will take off and run as often as dropping back to pass (Cam Newton being the first). The Bears’ speed at the linebacker position and on the defensive front four should be advantageous, but a gimmicky offense can always provide problems to any defense.

Contrary to popular culture, Denver’s success has not come solely because of Tebow. RB Willis McGahee has been a workhorse for the Broncos, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. That’s the same number as Matt Forte, who is doubtful to return for the rest of the season. That means Marion Barber will step in to carry the load for the Bears. Barber had 14 carries for 44 yards last week against the Chiefs, but his production will in no way rival that of Forte’s. With Hanie under center, the Broncos will stack the line of scrimmage and force Hanie to beat them with his arm.

Any progress people thought Hanie had made after his first career NFL start was quickly erased with his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.  Hanie completed less than 50 percent of his passes and threw three interceptions compared to zero touchdowns in a 10-3 loss. Hanie completed only 11 passes on the day for 133 yards and never got the offense in rhythm.

While critics may have questioned Jay Cutler’s toughness after the NFC championship game in January, nobody will doubt his importance to the Bears’ offense. Cutler may not be the most vital piece to the puzzle, he is undoubtedly important to the Bears’ offensive success.

There are no expectations on the Bears anymore. Any thoughts of the playoffs or the Super Bowl have been completely erased. Yet that’s often when the Bears play their best, when nobody expects anything out of them. As big of a surprise that Tebow has been for the Broncos, it would be bigger for Hanie to garner a win for Chicago. It may not ultimately lead to a playoff spot, but it will do a lot for his confidence. 

Game Time -

The Chicago Bears are scheduled to play the Denver Broncos at 3:05 Central Time. The game will be aired on WFLD Fox Sports.

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