So here are a couple of things I found amusing, about that thread (and a little bit this one)
- Bears fans in general rarely let a weakness in our team go unpunished, and this forum generally frowns upon anyone being too optimistic or positive, even if we have a reason to be optimistic or positive. If the offense is (finally) effective and moves the ball via the pass, we'll have people on here complaining about that. Don't throw the ball enough, people will complain about that. The only place more depressing to be than this forum after a loss is this forum after a win, when we have to hear about how could-have/should-have lost the game and there's no way we will win against (fill-in the blank here).
- The narrative that the Bears played their starters while Cleveland didn't is not correct. Both teams held certain starters back on both sides of the ball, but people somehow have to come up with a reason why the Bears looked good in that game (though if I'm honest, I am concerned about the defensive line and cornerback depth).
- Some Niners fans were predicting 3+ touchdown wins, because the Bears have "no talent", while ignoring weaknesses in their own offensive line and crossing their fingers on the 2nd year QB just like we are (even though I'll take ours over theirs 10 times out of 10- I just have a belief that QB1 is going to be one of the best ever if he doesn't get injured).
- It took a couple of more objective posters to point out that the 49ers were losing to the Bears last year when they played well into the 3rd quarter, and it took some great plays by their receivers (and awful plays by our DBs) to even it out. And since there were injuries on their side, I think we should point out that David Montgomery didn't play on our side either
I am not delusional; the 49ers were in the NFC Championship game last year and that's not insignificant. That is a talented football team, and I'm not ignoring the fact that we picked up 6 guys who were waived by other teams. But this is a new year and this Bears team is a well-coached, disciplined, and exceptionally conditioned team. The Bears are explosive at wide-receiver. Yes, I said it. Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle if 100 percent, VJ (also if 100 percent, unfortunately). Ebner is a lightning-rod in the short passing game and David Montgomery is also going to turn a short pass into a long gain.
Now what am I legitimately worried about?
- Offensive line. Sure they're improving, but they're going against a playoff-caliber defensive line (beware #75) that is healthy and going to be bringing the fire.
- Defensive line. If the Bears can't stop the 49ers run game, it's going to be a long day.
- Defensive line x2. Will they be able to get an pressure at all on Lance? The 49ers have some serious weapons, and if the Bears can't get pressure, then the secondary is in for a tough day.
