Titans-Bears: Week 10 Preview

The Bears welcome the unbeaten Titans into Soldier Field this weekend.

Chicago will have to stop the two-headed monster of Chris Johnson and LenDale White to stand any chance to pull off the upset.

With Kyle Orton down, it will be up to Rex Grossman to make plays in the passing game, as well as change plays at the line to get the better matchup. All we can do is hope for "Good Rex."

To be fair, all of Grossman’s efforts will be for naught if the defense continues to get scored upon. There’s simply no excuse for it this far into the season and with so many of the Bears' defensive linemen and linebackers healthy. Their lack of production has made it hard for an already banged up secondary to cope with nagging injuries.

Urlacher, Briggs, and Harris, the big money men of the Bears' defense, need to start playing like the high-caliber players we’re paying them to be.

Titans quarterback Kerry Collins has relied heavily on the run game to win games, but when the ball was in his hands, as it was last week against the Packers, he led his team down the field with his arm and put them in position for the winning field goal. Collins is a veteran who limits his mistake by making good decisions.

Turnovers will be critical for both teams to force and avoid. The alternate key to this game for a Bears victory will be interceptions. Whoever plays in the Bears' secondary will have to jump routes and take chances to get a prized pick.

Devin Hester has shown glimpses of improvement as a wide receiver but has been limited by injuries. His stat line isn’t very impressive as a return man or a wideout. Whether that’s because teams are committing so much into limiting Hester’s production or it’s a head issue, the Bears and Ron Turner especially need to try and get Hester more involved, even if only to be a decoy. Hester’s ability is just too much for any team to ignore, including the Bears.

Being honest, the Bears do not match up well against the Titans this week. Tennessee’s defense is punishing, and their run game is even more so. The Bears will have to play a mistake-free game in order to pull off the upset and some spark from the arm of Rex Grossman will go a long way.

Players to Watch

Marcus Harrison: This young rookie has yet to start a game this season but has played well, given his limited opportunities. With the Bears lacking a pass rush, look for Harrison to get more playing time, as he will be vital this week to stop the run.

Matt Forte: With Kyle Orton down, Forte will have to work double hard to establish the run for Rex Grossman. If he can have a solid average all game the entire offense will benefit.

Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher: If they do play this week, they’ll have to step up and create turnovers in the absence for a pass rush.

Key to the Game

QB Pressure: On defense, the Bears MUST get pressure on the quarterback or else they’ll be picked apart yet again. On offense, the Bears need to give Rex Grossman time in the pocket to go through his progressions.