Tale of the tape

Week 11: Chicago Bears At San Francisco 49ers

Bears

49ers

Jay Cutler took a shot to the head against the Houston Texans in Week 10 and was forced out of the game with a concussion. It seems likely that Jason Campbell will get the start for him. Campbell did not look comfortable against the Texans, but with a week of practice he should be able to throw accurate short- and medium-range passes.	Quarterback	Alex Smith also took a head shot and was forced out of the Rams game with a concussion. He may be able to start against the Bears, but if he can’t go athletic Colin Kaepernick will get the start. While Kaepernick can run and has been effective in the Wildcat role, he looked somewhat shaky when he had totake over for the accurate Smith.
Matt Forte is the Bears’ best all-around offensive player, but he has not been getting the ball enough this year. Forte is an effective runner and receiver and heneeds to be featured more by Chicago if the Bears are going to improve their overall offensive play. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall has been a very effective go-to receiver, but the Bears miss rookie wideout Alshon Jeffery (hand) who has missed four games.	Offense	Frank Gore is a difference-making running back. Like the Minnesota Vikings with Adrian Peterson, the Niners want to feature their running attack and use the passing game to relieve some of Gore’s burden. Wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Marion Manningham along with tight end Vernon Davis are solid targets for the Niners quarterbacks.
The Bears’ defense has been superb this season. They rank fifth overall in yards allowed, but the Bears have scored seven defensive touchdowns and they are a threat to break any game open with their ability to return interceptions. Cornerback Charles Tillman and outside linebacker Lance Briggs have both scored two touchdowns. Defensive end Julius Peppers is double-teamed on every play.	Defense	The Niners are also a sensational defensive team. Patrick Willis is a brutal hitter from the middle linebacker spot while outside linebacker NaVorro Bowman has a team-high 81 tackles. Speedy outside linebacker Aldon Smith is one of the best pass rushers in the league. He has 9.5 sacks heading into Week 11.
Robbie Gould is one of the best field goal kickers in the league. He has made 18-of-21 field goal attempts this season, including 2-of-2 from 50 yards and beyond. The Bears are waiting for Devin Hester to break free and give them a touchdown return or two.	Special Teams

The winner is

49ers

2 out of 4

The Niners have dropped a home game to the Giants and were forced to settle for a tie at home by the Rams. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants dominance at home and he wants to show the Monday night audience that his team is Super Bowl worthy.With Cutler likely on the sidelines, the Bears will not be at their best for this game and could be in trouble unless the defense overwhelms the Niners.

More Tales of the tape

NCAA Championship Game: #1 Louisville Vs. #4 Michigan
Rick Pitino has been here before, after making his 7th Final Four appearance, he’s now in his third go-round in the title game. He’s got plenty of experience on the big stage and he has the Cardinals playing high level basketball at the right time.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #4 Michigan Vs. #4 Syracuse
No. 4 Michigan and No. 4 Syracuse square off in Atlanta this weekend with the winner getting a shot to play for the National Title.
NCAA Tournament Championship Weekend: #1 Louisville Vs. #9 Wichita State
Rick Pitino and No. 1 Louisville take on No. 9 Wichita State in Atlanta this weekend for a shot to play in the National Title game on Monday.