Chicago Bears: What You Need to Know Heading into Week 3
Published by Matt Eurich on September 17, 2013
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The first two weeks of the NFL season have come and gone with the Chicago Bears getting wins against both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings.
The Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals showcased the Bears’ new offense, and the Week 2 victory against the Vikings showed the team’s resiliency.
The Bears will have their first prime-time matchup this Sunday when they head to Pittsburgh to face the 0-2 Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Steelers have struggled out of the gate, playing at Heinz Field is no easy task.
While the Bears are busy game-planning for their opponent, here are something things you need to know heading into Week 3.
Matt Forte Looks to Add Name to Bears’ Record Books
After running for 90 yards on 19 carries and gaining 71 receiving yards on 11 catches in Week 2, Matt Forte has gained over 250 yards from scrimmage in the team’s first two weeks.
He improved on his rushing total from Week 1 (50 yards) as well as his receiving yards (41), and he will look to cement his name in the Bears record books, as he needs just 96 more yards to join Walter Payton and Neal Anderson as the only players in franchise history with 8,000 career yards from scrimmage.
Corey Wootton and Shea McClellin Continue to Compete for Starting DE Spot
A week after starting against the Cincinnati Bengals, Corey Wootton was replaced by Shea McClellin as the starter at defensive end opposite of Julius Peppers in Week 2. Wootton registered the Bears’ only sack of Christian Ponder during the fourth quarter on Sunday afternoon.
Despite getting the start, McClellin was on the field for 42 snaps compared to Wootton’s 52, and Wootton has more snaps on the season (85) than McClellin (73).
Both players have had their share of ups and downs so far this season, but it appears that Wootton will continue to get the majority of the reps, regardless of whether or not he is the starter.
TE Martellus Bennett’s Shoulder Should Not Be a Problem
Following the Bears’ win on Sunday, tight end Martellus Bennett told reporters, per CBS Chicago: “Just trying to make a play and I messed up my shoulder. I’m in a lot of pain right now, but it is what it is, gotta go back in there and finish up.”
That statement made it appear that Bennett’s shoulder issue could be a lingering problem this season but according to CBS Chicago, head coach Marc Trestman said that Bennett’s injury was nothing more than a bruise and that he had full range of motion on Monday.
Bears Lead All-Time Series with the Steelers (17-7-1)
The last time the Bears and the Steelers squared off was back in 2009 when Jay Cutler (in his first season in Chicago) threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ 17-14 victory at Soldier Field.
In two career games against the Bears, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has thrown for a combined 394 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
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