Bears vs. 49ers: Complete Week 2 Preview for San Francisco

Let's rewind back to November 19, 2012—the last time the San Francisco 49ers faced the Chicago Bears.

Then-backup Colin Kaepernick thrashed the Bears in his first NFL game as a starting quarterback. It was his "coming out" party of sorts, as Kaepernick passed for 243 yards and two touchdowns, leading the 49ers to a 32-7 victory over Chicago.

"

The 49ers opened up the playbook for backup QB Colin Kaepernick last night, and he shot down the Bears. http://t.co/ECCfDOEf

— Deadspin (@Deadspin) November 20, 2012"

Fast forward to 2014.

San Francisco officially will debut its brand-new Levi's Stadium to the sporting world, hosting the Bears on Sunday, September 14, at 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday Night Football.

What transpired in 2012 has little bearing on this game except for the fact that Kaepernick and the 49ers have a good track record against Chicago in recent memory.

The 49ers are coming off a 28-17 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. There was some concern over San Francisco's first-team offensive struggles entering the regular season. These were widely put to rest as the 49ers posted 319 total yards and three offensive touchdowns against a lackluster Cowboys defense.

But each NFL week is a different story. While not as downtrodden as Dallas' defense, Chicago is also suffering from defensive woes. The Bears gave up 193 rushing yards to the Buffalo Bills in their Week 1 23-20 loss. Should we expect San Francisco to take advantage of this?

Most likely.

Yet the 49ers are also going to contend with a Chicago offense that has plenty of weapons. Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte look to do their own damage against a San Francisco defense that may be short-handed due to a number of significant injuries.

Adjusting and responding to these challenges will be at the heart of the 49ers' prospects for a victory in their Levi's Stadium debut.

Let's take a look at this exciting Week 2 matchup, evaluating various factors, injuries and news surrounding what we might expect this Sunday.

49ers Week 1 Recap

The final 28-17 victory over Dallas makes the game sound closer than it actually was.

"

The 49ers-Cowboys game feels more like 48-10.

— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) September 7, 2014"

San Francisco controlled the momentum from the beginning. A Dan Skuta-forced fumble on the Cowboys' opening drive was scooped up by Chris Culliver and ran back for a touchdown. 

After the Cowboys answered back with a field goal, the 49ers executed a quick, four-play drive that resulted in yet another score. Another Dallas turnover resulted in a one-play touchdown for Kaepernick and the offense.

The 49ers were up 28-3 by halftime.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw three interceptions during the game, including one by linebacker Patrick Willis, described by Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com.

"

Jim Harbaugh on #49ers LB @PatrickWillis52's INT: "He just does it continually." READ: http://t.co/BWSi1eF67p pic.twitter.com/dc9XLgDhfc

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 9, 2014"

Additionally, 31-year-old running back Frank Gore crested the 10,000-yard rushing plateau, and rookie back Carlos Hyde notched his first-career NFL touchdown.

But the 49ers endured some obstacles of their own.

For starters, San Francisco's rush defense gave up 118 yards on the ground to Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray—marking the first time in over 17 games that the 49ers had allowed a 100-plus yard rusher.

More importantly, San Francisco suffered serious attrition in its secondary. Both Chris Culliver and Jimmie Ward exited the game with concussion-like symptoms, and Tramaine Brock sprained his toe.

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area broke down the details behind each player's respective injuries, but both their statuses for Week 2 remain up in the air.

"

#49ers CB injury update: Brock’s status in doubt, while Culliver and Ward must pass NFL protocol on concussions. http://t.co/sSJu21SrVL

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 8, 2014"

Fortunately, the 49ers started off the 2014 season on the right foot. A decisive victory in the team's opener was exactly what the team needed in order to halt much of the concerns as described in the above video.

News and Notes

Ray McDonald

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has drawn much of the interest surrounding NFL players and domestic violence issues.

But this doesn't mean that defensive end Ray McDonald is immune to the discussion.

McDonald suited up and played in Week 1 in spite of many critics who felt the 49ers would be better off not allowing him to play. Chief among these was Hall of Famer Steve Young.

"We’ve got to make an affirmative stance about it,” Young said via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. “I saw what we did with the policy a couple weeks ago, but then Ray McDonald gets arrested and has physical bruising on his wife—felony domestic abuse, violence. Any company in this country, any big company, if that happens they send you home. They might pay you, but you don’t come to work until we figure this out."

"

Steve Young criticizes #49ers for playing Ray McDonald against #Cowboys http://t.co/7O3sqfh820 #49ersTalk #NFL pic.twitter.com/lWuNvr2BG9

— Comcast SportsNet (@CSNAuthentic) September 8, 2014"

The 49ers and CEO Jed York have insisted that they will not punish McDonald under further evidence is shown during the investigation.

At any rate, this remains a hot topic of discussion.

49ers Release LaMichael James

San Francisco parted ways with No. 3 running back LaMichael James on September 8.

General manager Trent Baalke stated to 95.7 The Game (h/t Maiocco) that "it was time to move on" from the 2012 second-round draft pick, which now leaves offensive lineman Joe Looney as the only remaining member from that class.

"

#49ers GM Trent Baalke said RB LaMichael James was cut because it was ‘time to move on’ — not because of a request. http://t.co/PkahdJsEgo

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 10, 2014"

The transaction was not because James requested a release, but rather the 49ers felt that moving in a different direction would best suit the team considering how infrequently they used James on offense.

James has since cleared waivers and is now a free agent.

San Francisco will carry two running backs—Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde—into Week 2. 

Alex Boone Set to Start

Speaking of Looney, the backup O-lineman started in place of Alex Boone in Week 1. Boone saw relatively few snaps versus the Cowboys, which led us to believe that the coaching staff felt he wasn't quite ready for game-day action.

But according to the San Francisco Chronicle (h/t Larry Hartstein of CBS Sports), Boone is expected to be the 49ers' Week 2 starter at right guard.

San Francisco's O-line is obviously much better with Boone in a starting position.

Defensive Woes

As stated on the previous slide, the 49ers defense wasn't exactly topnotch against an admittedly potent Cowboys offense.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio appeared on the Murph and Mac Show on the 49ers' flagship station KNBR 680 and pointed out that San Francisco's pass rush was too ineffective, especially during the first half. 

"

Fangio: "We were not happy with our pass rush in Dallas. It was not one of our better games in that area at all."

— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) September 9, 2014"

While the 49ers got three sacks total against Dallas, including two by defensive end Justin Smith, this aspect of San Francisco's defense needs to improve.

The 49ers listed second-year pros Tank Carradine and Quinton Dial as inactive in Week 1. Perhaps this changes versus Chicago.

On top of that, San Francisco struggled against the running game. DeMarco Murray punished the 49ers, especially up the middle, which prompts the concern about how much the team misses All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman right now.

Shoring up this problem will again be paramount as San Francisco looks to halt Matt Forte and the Bears' rushing game.

Injuries

The secondary sustained three critical injuries to some key players versus Dallas—Tramaine Brock, Chris Culliver and Jimmie Ward.

With Chris Cook inactive in Week 1, much of the duties fell upon Perrish Cox and rookie Dontae Johnson.

We might expect the 49ers to activate Cook in Week 2, as suggested by Chris Cwik of CBS Sports. This would help alleviate some of the depth concerns moving forward, but obviously the key will be getting Brock, Culliver and Ward back onto the field

Injury Report

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Rookie Jimmie Ward apparently did not suffer a concussion on Sunday.

Injuries    

Jimmie Ward, DB—Probable

Tramaine Brock, CB—Probable

Chris Culliver, CB—Questionable

Marcus Lattimore, RB—NFI

Trey Millard, FB—NFI

Keith Reaser, CB—NFI

All injury statuses courtesy of CBS Sports.

The primary injury concerns for the 49ers emanate from their defensive backfield. As stated previously, Tramaine Brock, Chris Culliver and Jimmie Ward all exited Sunday's game with injuries.

Brock has a sprained big toe, per Eric Branch of SFGate.com. While Brock was able to return to the sidelines in a reserve role post-injury against Dallas, his status for Week 2 against the Bears remains in doubt.

"

#49ers CB Tramaine Brock (toe) will have an MRI today, per source. He returned with two minutes left after leaving in 1st quarter.

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 8, 2014"

While Brock's Week 1 return to the sidelines is a good sign moving forward, it cannot guarantee that he'll be able to take the field just yet. Perrish Cox would likely be the fill-in for Brock if the latter is unavailable against Chicago.

Culliver suffered a concussion and will have to clear the NFL's protocols surrounding head injuries before returning to duty.

Both he and Brock have missed practices this week, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. Gutierrez also reports that Ward was able to practice this week, which is a good sign considering he was also removed from Week 1 with concussion-like symptoms.

The likes of Chicago receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery present significant challenges to San Francisco's secondary. While having Chris Cook activated in Week 2 is a likely assumption, the 49ers will hope that this particular unit will be at full strength.

While not listed on CBS Sports' injury report, right tackle Anthony Davis (hamstring) missed Week 1 and had Jonathan Martin in for his stead.

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports that Davis would not practice last Wednesday and might not be ready to get his starting job back from Martin.

On a positive note, wide receiver Michael Crabtree participated in full practice this week, per Maiocco. Crabtree saw limited action in Week 1—hauling in two receptions for 25 yards versus Dallas.

"

#49ers WR Michael Crabtree returns to full participation in practice, but four starters sit this one out. http://t.co/Dr3SGUlhZL

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 10, 2014"

The 49ers offense will clearly benefit from having both Anquan Boldin and a fully healthy Crabtree on the field against the Bears.

X-Factors and Matchups to Watch

The 49ers trounced the Bears the last time these two teams met in 2012. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick was at the heart of the story—his first full game as a starter.

Chicago had no answer for him as the 49ers rolled Chicago 32-7.

But 2014 is a different season, and it will offer up a varying degree of new challenges. Still, playmakers make plays, and various other matchups will draw our attention in Week 2.

Justin Smith and Ian Williams vs. Brian De La Puente and Michael Ola

The Bears suffered two significant injuries along their offensive line in Week 1. Left guard Matt Slauson and center Roberto Garza each left the game due to high ankle sprains, per Chris Towers of CBS Sports.

According to Towers, both are likely going to miss the matchup versus San Francisco. This means backup linemen Brian De La Puente and Michael Ola will probably get the nod for starting against the 49ers defensive line, per the team's depth chart.

In Week 1, San Francisco's pass rush struggled in the first half, and the 49ers run defense could do little to stop DeMarco Murray from penetrating the interior of the front seven.

Perhaps we can expect this to change with a weakened Bears O-line.

"

Looks like the Bears offensive line could be without their starting Center and Guard. SACK LUNCH

— Trevor Woods (@Woods49ers) September 10, 2014"

49ers Secondary vs. Brandon Marshall

At 6'4" and 229 pounds, wide receiver Brandon Marshall presents a significant challenge for San Francisco's defensive backfield.

It is hard to state exactly which player the 49ers match up against Marshall based on the nature of injuries sustained in the secondary. At any rate, whoever goes up against him will be in for a potentially tough day.

"

Tramaine Brock has a sprained toe. Status for Sunday's game vs. Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery up in the air. #49ers

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 8, 2014"

Marshall sustained an ankle injury in Week 1 but is expected to play against the 49ers, according to ESPN (h/t Larry Hartstein of CBS Sports).

According to Hartstein, Alshon Jeffery's situation and return is less clear. If he does play, his dynamic abilities create additional problems for San Francisco's thin secondary.

Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde vs. Bears Run Defense

The Bears gave up 193 yards on the ground to the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Thus it is safe to say that Chicago's run defense is pretty vulnerable at this point.

We should expect Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde to punish the interior of the Bears' 4-3 defense early and often during this game.

Gore and Hyde combined for a total of 116 rushing yards versus Dallas a week ago. They should be in line to put up similar numbers against Chicago.

"

What will Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde do to the Bears defense?

— Matt Johnson (@MattJ_onNFL) September 7, 2014"

Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin vs. Tim Jennings

We can't quite specify which cornerbacks the Bears will line up against the 49ers' top two receivers—Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin—in Week 2, but we can speculate that one of them may potentially have a rough day matching up against the physical prowess of Crabtree and Boldin.

Bears corner Tim Jennings is 5'8" and 186 pounds. Yes, the two-time Pro Bowler can present a difficult challenge to opposing receivers, but the larger Boldin and Crabtree clearly have size advantage here.

Should we expect San Francisco to try and exploit this? 

Most likely.

49ers' X-Factor of the Week: QB Colin Kaepernick

The Bears did not have an answer for Kaepernick in 2012. Will they be able to find one in 2014?

In 2012, Kaepernick was new to the league. His dynamic, playmaking abilities were elements that forced NFL defenses to make various adjustments since he has taken over under center for the 49ers.

"

Bears preparing for another huge test from 49ers' Kaepernick: http://t.co/fXVkgKE7u9 pic.twitter.com/z1X52uQE4c

— Bears Insider (@bears_insider) September 10, 2014"

While the league might have attempted to adjust, Kaepernick has also made his fair share of developments.

One of the big marks against Kaepernick was his inability to work through his progressions. None other than Hall of Famer Steve Young pointed this out to NFL Live (h/t Michael David Smith of NBC Sports).

But Kaepernick has the ability to make this happen—an argument made by David Neumann of Niners Nation.

Even Troy Aikman acknowledged that Kaepernick's progression reads were vastly improved during Fox's broadcast of San Francisco's Week 1 matchup versus Dallas.

How does this all fit in for Week 2?

Kaepernick now has a plethora of weapons with which to work. This was not the case a year ago. Additionally, Chicago's run defense is vulnerable, which will allow the 49ers to utilize play action—an element a Kaepernick-led offense can thrive on.

Look for Kaepernick to have a big day against a vulnerable Bears defense. This might be a game where he dominates the 49ers' headlines.

Prediction

USA TODAY Sports

Colin Kaepernick will once again look to upend Chicago at home.

The 49ers will look to pick up right where they left off a week ago versus Dallas.

In that Week 1 matchup, San Francisco faced off against a team that boasted a potent offense but little in terms of its defense.

"

#Bears similar to Cowboys: Potent offense led by polarizing QB; defense that was among worst in NFL history in 2013. #49ers

— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 11, 2014"

Sure, the Bears defense may not be as lowly as that of the Cowboys, but it is vulnerable—the poor rushing-yards against from Week 1 indicates such.

On defense, the 49ers will have to contend with the passing game from quarterback Jay Cutler to his array of receivers, including Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall. But San Francisco may be able to take good advantage of a weakened Bears O-line.

This means pressure on the quarterback—an area the 49ers struggled with early in Week 1. 

But the 49ers will also be concerned with stopping Matt Forte and the Bears running game. San Francisco proved vulnerable on the ground against the Cowboys, but the absence of two Chicago interior linemen could hinder what running game the Bears are able to muster.

While this still remains a focal point of concern, look for the 49ers to try and shore that up a bit here in Week 2.

Lastly on defense, we should expect San Francisco to try and force turnovers to a similar extent to its Week 1 performance against Tony Romo and Dallas.

On the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers will look to exploit a weak run defense. This means plenty of Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde.

If the 49ers' running back tandem is able to generate the same sort of pressure we might expect against the Bears' questionable defense, this would help set up play action for San Francisco.

Colin Kaepernick has plenty of new weapons at his disposal. The mismatches are there as is the opportunity.

It's hard to determine whether Kaepernick and Co. will put up the same offensive numbers showcased against Chicago back in 2012, but we can speculate that they will have few problems in generating plenty of scoring opportunities.

Should they take advantage of this, we would have no reason to suspect anything but the 49ers winding up 2-0 following Sunday Night Football's broadcast.

Prediction: 49ers 30, Bears 17

All statistics and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.

Follow @PeterMcShots on Twitter.