Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers: Predicting the Final Score
By Ricardo Guzman
@rcky_guzman
Getty Images
The Chicago Bears (2-2) and Carolina Panthers (2-2) meet this afternoon at Bank of America Stadium. Both teams are struggling to find their place in the NFC, and this Week 5 matchup could decide that.
The Panthers are coming off a game where they were dismantled, 38-10, by the Baltimore Ravens. Carolina struggled containing former Panther Steve Smith Sr. They don’t have it any easier with the Bears; Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett pose as one of the most difficult-to-cover trio in the entire NFL, Bennett more so because of his 6-foot-6 frame and agility. He is unmatchable by most linebackers and defensive backs.
On the Panthers’ side, they bring a dynamic rookie with his own talents. Kelvin Benjamin, who looks like the early favorite for offensive rookie of the year, has given his team a new go-to option. In four games he has 329 yards and three touchdowns. He is helping Panther fans forget all about that Smith guy. Look for him to take advantage of a questionable Bears safety pair.
With a couple of great pass-catchers playing, this game will be determined on ball security of the teams’ quarterbacks. Cam Newton has struggled early on in 2014, and his ankle may not be at 100 percent after undergoing offseason surgery, as he admitted earlier this week. If he can’t escape a Bears’ pass rush, as they get Allen back in the lineup, it could get ugly once again for the Panthers. The same could be said for Jay Cutler and the Bears. When he gets proper pass protection, he shines.
Prediction: Bears 31 Panthers 17
Ricardo Guzman is a Bears writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @rcky_guzman, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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