NFL
By: Kristianna Ratliff
The preseason is over the Chicago Bears have finalized their 53-man roster for the new season. Week one in the NFL is upon us and everyone from the media on down to the fans are excited about the return of the greatest sport on earth. Speaking of the media, they’re not shy or holding back from their predictions on the Bears this season. They have us going well below under .500 this season.
The Chicago Bears are hosting the San Francisco 49ers Sunday in Chicago. The 49ers last season went to the NFC championship and the 49ers pretty much have the same team from last year. This will be a big test for the Bears to get on the road to a winning season.
The biggest comparison is Tray Lance and Bears QB Justin Fields. Tray Lance is finally starting week 1 after only having 2 career starts last season. A lot of people are excited that Lance is finally getting some time on the field, however, 49er fans are a bit concerned about his lack of experience. As far as QB Justin Fields, this is his 2nd year also in the NFL and he has much more experience than Lance does. However, with a new coaching staff and no big names on the Bears offense, the media have major concerns for the offensive line to protect Fields on the field. Both Fields and Lance were drafted in the first round of the NFL draft in 2021. Fields was asked how he feels about WR Darnell Mooney comments about the 49ers passing up on Fields, and making them pay on Sunday. Fields response was, “I don’t take anything personal. I’m glad to be here, I’m glad they passed up on me..I’m ready to play ball. “
On the defensive side, the Bears are ready to become the monsters of the midway again. The defense will be led by captions Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith. Last year, Robert Quinn was second in sacks with 18.5. Roquan Smith also had success with the Bears as a 2-time linebacker and one of the best in the NFL right now. Quinn and Smith both made the NFL top 100 list this year with Quinn placing at #48 and Smith placing at #84. With them leading the pack, the Bears’ defense will execute well abasing Lance and the 49er offense.
Last year, the Bears played the 49es in San Francisco and lost 33-22. Fields went for 17-22 in completions, 175 yards 1 TD, and 1 INT. The Bears’ offense didn’t do much of anything and the same goes for the Bears defense.
This season the Bears got stronger on offense as they added new pieces around Fields. However, Lucas Patrick, WR Bryon Pringle, and Velus Jones Jr. all have been battling an injury. They returned to practice this week. However, it’s unclear if they’ll play this Sunday against the 49ers. Bears will need everyone back and healthy as they can this Sunday.
Matt Eberflus named his 4 captions for the team as well as a weekly honorary caption. The Bears Captions are Justin Fields, Cody Whitehair, Robert Quinn, and Roquan Smith. Eberflus also named David Montgomery as this week’s honorary caption for week 1.
My prediction for Sunday’s game is the Bears will win it in a close one against the 49ers. My score prediction is 23-17 Bears. You can catch the Bears game live on Fox. Kickoff is at 12pm CST. And make sure to follow Nuts and Bolts Sports for more of my Bears coverage all season long.
