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Without Peyton Manning, Broncos May Have Trouble With Streaking Bears

By Danny Cox

One wouldn't think that it's a time to panic for the Denver Broncos, but it may be coming soon. They started the season off with a 7-0 record, but have now lost two in a row and are about to face off with the Chicago Bears, winners of two straight and aiming for the playoffs. Matters are not going to be helped by quarterback Peyton Manning ailing and already ruled out for the game with the Bears, it's going to be on the shoulders of Brock Osweiler.

Season Record

The Chicago Bears are 4-5, but have had two impressive wins in a row over the San Diego Chargers and then this past weekend over the St. Louis Rams by a blowout of 37-13. Early in the season, the Bears were getting blown out left and right, but have since righted the ship and are beginning to look like contenders in a shaky NFC North.

Chicago Bears on Offense

After a rocky start to the season, Jay Cutler has really turned things around and is having a pretty good season. He has over 2,000 yards passing with 13 touchdowns and just five interceptions. One problem for the Bears is their pass protection as they've given up 16 total sacks (12 of Cutler and 4 of Jimmy Clausen). Running back Matt Forte is still seen as day-to-day with a knee issue so the Broncos will have to focus on stopping Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett as they are Cutler's primary targets.

Chicago Bears on Defense

If Manning was going to be in, this could be where the Broncos really take advantage of the weaknesses of the Bears. Now, it will be up to Osweiler to do what he can. Chicago's pass rush isn't great, but Pernell McPhee (five sacks) and Lamarr Houston (four sacks) are two that he will need to keep his eyes on.

Osweiler needs to exploit the weaknesses of the Bears secondary as they don't cause a lot of turnovers and have just five interceptions on the year. One of them happens to be by McPhee who has turned into a leader for the Bears' defense.

Chicago Bears' Players to Watch

Offensively, the Broncos have to stay on Alshon Jeffery and stop him at all costs. He was out for a while this season due to injury, but in the five games he has played, he's averaging over 100 receiving yards per contest. Denver needs to always watch him and put two men on him if necessary.

Other than McPhee, Bears linebacker Christian Jones has really turned a page this season and seems to be all over the field. He has 52 total tackles and has defended three passes. Jones is a good pass rusher, but sometimes even better when dropping back into coverage in the middle of the field.

Outlook

Even with the win streak the Chicago Bears are currently on and the slump that the Denver Broncos are on, one may look at this match-up and think it's quite lopsided. Taking Peyton Manning out of the equation and so many other questions about Denver changes things entirely, and the Broncos need to be careful that the downward spiral does not continue.

Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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