Bears Blitz

Published by Bobby Brooks on August 9, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Coaches

There is nothing remarkable about either coach in preseason play. John Fox is 21-19 SU, 6-4 SU in Week 1, 18-21-1 ATS and 2-2 SU in 2011. Lovie Smith is 16-17 SU, 4-5 in Week 1, 15-17-1 ATS and 2-2 SU in 2011.

Markets

This game opened up -2.5 for Chicago, and we’ve seen a slight move towards the favorite. You can shop around or lay a bit more juice for the -2.5 or ride -3 at even odds. Either choice is fine, but I would rather not lay the ‘3’ if the price is right. Two out of every three bets has come in on the Bears thus far.

Quarterbacks

I don’t think any other game is more anticipated than this one. All eyes will be on Peyton Manning, as he will see his first official game action since returning from his multiple neck surgeries. He’s anxious to get that first hit out of the way, but be careful what you wish for Peyton.

In all seriousness, it will be fun to see where he’s at in his recovery, but don’t expect to see the Peyton of old. He will be smart and calculated with his throws and shouldn’t see more than a quarter of action.

Behind Manning is where things get interesting for the Broncos. Caleb Hanie was supposed to be the No. 2 QB, but they are hoping for anybody to step up and claim the job. So far he, has struggled in camp, especially with the pass-rush. I don’t think facing his former team is going to help either.

Brock Osweiler is someone they peg as the QB of the future, and both will battle it out in the later quarters. Adam Weber rounds out the rotation and hopes to improve upon his practice squad status of a year ago. In sum, we have a whole bunch of mediocrity here, with Osweiler the only guy with any real potential.

On the flip side, we have some nice options from the Bears. Jay Cutler is a happy camper after the changes they made in the offseason. Extra attention is being paid to the O-line, and the scheme will be much more QB-friendly. Gone are the ill-advised deep drops from Mike Martz and in comes Mike Tice to handle the offense. Brandon Marshall will give him a legit No. 1 WR option.

After that, we have some experience at the backup position with Jason Campbell and Josh McCown.  Campbell actually looked like an improved player last year before his season was cut short by injury.  He could be the best backup QB in the entire NFL. Look for him to come out with something to prove in the preseason opener. 

McCown isn’t anyone to get excited about, but it’s always a plus to have an experienced guy moving the chains in the second half. Matt Blanchard is a practice squad guy who could mop things up in the fourth. Together, there is a big advantage for Chicago under center.

Roster

Brian Urlacher has been ruled out for the Bears, and it’s unsure how much time a guy like Julius Peppers will get. The Broncos have roster concerns of their own. Demaryius Thomas and Ronnie Hellman are both questionable to play. Eric Decker is coming off a minor injury, so his playing time could be monitored as well.

Quarterback is not the only position where I like the depth for Chicago. It made a nice offseason signing when they brought in Michael Bush to handcuff Matt Forte. The Bears also boast a wide variety of decent receiving options on the outside. Keep an eye on Ashlon Jeffery. Offensively, there are more than enough weapons on the depth chart to put up some points.

I do like the addition of Jack Del Rio on defense, and I think the Broncos have a chance to do some damage from that side of the ball. In fact, they have a decent chance to put up more points than the offense after Peyton’s work is done. They will get an extra boost if DJ Williams suits up. He’s a game-time decision.

Pick

For the Broncos, I think they will be happy if Manning stays upright and gets in some quality reps. He is in a new environment with a whole new set of receivers and coaches for the first time in his career.  Peyton is more interested in positive baby steps than making a statement to the league.

NFL Pick: CHI -2.5 (5Dimes)

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