Reason for Optimism (Vs Bears)

[Herbert The Love Bug]

Secondly, the more I think about it, the more I believe the Jaguars game was a trap game for Carolina, in which, we came out victorious. I feel the Jags game was sandwiched between a game vs the defending super bowl champs (we gave them our best shot, as do all teams playing the champs), and a game in which Ron Rivera admitted was going to be a very special game vs his old team the Chicago Bears.. so I expect him to have looked forward a bit to this game, and may not have given his best shot towards the Jaguars. Hence, Cam Newton's sup-par game.

So you think Ron Rivera was looking over a team when he was trying to get his first career win as a head coach? Ron Rivera takes every itty bitty thing seriously and looks at it very closely. He is not the type to overlook an opponent.

Also you think the coach over looking a team is the reasoning behind Cam's below average game?

Neither of those things make sense whatsoever.

[Tacklez]

If we win this game we win the next 3. If we lose then i say we dont have a playoff potential team. But im sure cam and steve will say hello to everyone at Chicago ;D

[Lout]

So you think Ron Rivera was looking over a team when he was trying to get his first career win as a head coach? Ron Rivera takes every itty bitty thing seriously and looks at it very closely. He is not the type to overlook an opponent.

Also you think the coach over looking a team is the reasoning behind Cam's below average game?

Neither of those things make sense whatsoever.

I know it may be hard, but try to think outside of the box. A coach looking forward to another opponent means he did not do everything he could to put Cam in the best possible position against the Jags.

Rivera is giddy about playing the bears.. it' not absurd to think he is looking ahead.

[La Pantera]

I think Rivera wanted a WIN so beating the jags was a priority. No way he looked past them.

TBH. The game was a must win for the team,just for confidence alone.

[edromeo]

I'm still waiting to see the reason for optimism facing the Bears defense.

All I see when I look at their defense are reason to worry.

[Lout]

I'm still waiting to see the reason for optimism facing the Bears defense.

All I see when I look at their defense are reason to worry.

The stats were meant to show that the bears defense might not be as good as they seem. I know they have a bunch of 'names' on their defense, but the results thus far aren't great. I realize they played Rodgers and Brees, and that is a strong factor, but we played Rodgers as well. I think our defense has looked very solid, with the exception of a couple big plays per game.

[edromeo]

The stats were meant to show that the bears defense might not be as good as they seem. I know they have a bunch of 'names' on their defense, but the results thus far aren't great. I realize they played Rodgers and Brees, and that is a strong factor, but we played Rodgers as well. I think our defense has looked very solid, with the exception of a couple big plays per game.

Right but I'm not talking about the Panthers defense.

I'm talking specifically about the match-up of Cam and the passing game vs. the Bears Tampa-2 and I don't see that as a reason for optimism.

I think you minimize the Bears D when you say sure they faced the Rodgers and Brees but the stats aren't great.

I think without question they're the best defense we faced thus far.

Its a defense that forces even the best QB to check the ball down and take what the defense gives.

Its a defensive that thrives off QB mistakes and forces a QB to be disciplined.

The zone defenders will read the QBs eye and if Cam or any QB locks onto a receiver the defense will pounce.

(Maybe I should make a thread about facing the Cover 2 defense, but I didn't think it was thread worthy)

[pawsandclaws]

The only time I use a similar opponent tween 2 opponents to judge who might win is in boxing

I dont do that in football or basketball. All about matchups. What I see is a team who if you hit and pressure their QB they will crumble. And a D that is weak against good TE's

Spot on. My feelings exactly.

[Montsta]

The Bears Tampa-2 defense forces teams to check down because the Peppers lead pass rush typically gets pressure with 4 before the downfield receivers get open.

So while they give up 70% comp rate is misleading especially considering they've faced 2 of the best passing offenses in the league (Saints, Packers) and they do a decent job on 3rd down.

Back to the Cover 2/Tampa 2.

Thankfully playing the Jags kinda prepares Chudz/Cam going into the Bears game because the Jags playing a lot of Cover 2 zone.

But, the difference in pass rush is night and day and Lovie Smith plays a bit more of a Tampa 2 then a Cover 2.

Imo this defense will present the greatest test for Chudz/Shula and Cam thus far.

Stewart looked awfully good as a checkdown option for Cam against the Packers though. And if the Bears play that two deep poo and give Stewart time to get a head of steam, that could bode very well for us.

[DRubi15]

If we want to win this game the dumb mistakes and penalties have got to go. Like in the Packers game....if u make mistakes that take points off the board against solid teams you will lose in the end. No more holding and offside calls when we're in the red zone and when we have forced a 3 and out.

[Catalyst]

I don't have a good feeling about this game. It could be a bad day for Cam. Maybe even 3-4 picks. Though I think we can get after Cutler with that shitty Bears OL and force him into throwing some picks.

[Clicheking]

Jay Cutler still play for the Bears? He does...We'll be fine

[Marguide]

I know it may be hard, but try to think outside of the box. A coach looking forward to another opponent means he did not do everything he could to put Cam in the best possible position against the Jags.

Rivera is giddy about playing the bears.. it' not absurd to think he is looking ahead.

And I think Rivera has little influence on the offensive game plan or how Cam plays on a game-to-game basis. That is up to Chud and Shula.

Now if you want to say Rivera was holding back on the defensive side of the ball, that would be a bit more rational, as he is heavily involved in defensive game planning.

[JawnyBlaze]

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011100205/2011/REG4/panthers@bears?module=HP11_MYNFL#menu=gameinfo&tab=analyze

These charts make for a nice visual. While doesn't mean we're a lock for the win (only 3 games in, these stats don't mean what they might later in the year), the only stat the Bears are better than us in is rush yards allowed per game. They allow 8 fewer per game, so far.