ShutdownCorner21.com's Pick Six for Bears vs. Panthers

Bears vs. Panthers

1. Which rookie runner will finish the season with more rushing yards: Jonathan Stewart or Matt Forte?

This question is filled with many variables. Jonathan Stewart has injury concerns and may have to share carries with DeAngelo Williams. But he also has a potentially strong passing game to open up defenses for him.

Forte is clearly going to be the bell cow for Chicago’s offense. The lack of a passing game will leave him running against eight-man fronts all season, though. When you take into account overall talent, I am going to go with Stewart to out rush Forte this season.

2. Is Devin Hester still a game breaker?

Chicago has managed to ruin one of the most electrifying playmakers in football very quickly. A heavier offensive workload has seemingly put the stops to his magical returning of the football, and now a potentially serious rib injury may hinder him all year. Hopefully the team will put his focus back on returning kicks. Why tinker with the best?

3. Is Chris Harris the poor man’s Bob Sanders?

Or is Bob Sanders the poor man’s Chris Harris? While Harris isn’t the best safety in coverage, he is a playmaker in run support. He led the league in forced fumbles last season with eight, and he already has a forced fumble in each game this year. His knack for forcing turnovers can not be overlooked any more.

4. What is Brandon Lloyd doing catching five passes?

I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. Chicago’s passing attack is pitiful, and they may not have a guy catch over 50 passes this year. They are clearly in need of an upgrade come the 2009 offseason.

5. How much did Carolina miss Steve Smith?

This is evident when you look at the Panthers' struggles on third down. Delhomme clearly needs a security blanket, and he and Smith go all the way back to Jake’s debut in Carolina. Luckily for everyone in Carolina, Smith returns this week.

6. Are the Panthers for real?

While Carolina cannot be considered Super Bowl contenders yet, they are clearly a threat in the NFC South. Delhomme and Stewart are still question marks, but it is becoming clear they are more towards being stars than failures.

Steve Smith could be the spark the offense needs, and the team is still waiting on Julius Peppers to return back to his dominant form. The potential for something special, ala 2003, is there. But can they fulfill it?

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