NFL Football Preview: Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers

These are trying times for the 0-2 Pittsburgh Steelers and their struggles are clearly reflected in the fact that they are small underdogs on their home field to the Chicago Bears. The Bears are 2-0 on the young season despite some erratic play on both sides of the ball. That being said, the team is starting to assimilate the offensive systems that their new coach-former Montreal Alouettes’ head coach Marc Trestman-ran roughshod with in the CFL. The defense is also playing well.

For Chicago, the best news is that the defense looked relatively solid despite the loss of linebacker Brian Urlacher. Actually, the Urlacher loss is a bigger concern among TV talking heads than it is for serious pro football experts. He was somewhat ineffective over the past couple of season as age and injuries took their toll. The big question is on offense where Trestman will try to reprise his pass oriented offense that worked so well in Montreal in the NFL with Jay Cutler reprising the role of Anthony Calvillo. In theory, Cutler is a great fit for such a system and the Bears did upgrade themselves at wide receiver but even with a good foundation its going to take some time to make work in Chicago. The Bears offensive line is suspect as is their running game. Based on what Trestman did in Montreal the issues along the offensive line will be a bigger concern than the rushing game.

The mainstream sports media narrative heading into the 2013 season was that the Steelers would ‘be back’ after an 8-8 season last year. We’re not sold and are even less so after the injury to All Pro center Maurkice Pouncey. There are ‘red flags’ on both sides of the ball. The Steelers’ defense was solid last year but is aging. On offense the Steelers lack a viable lead running back and are hoping that a revamped-and young-offensive line will be able to keep ‘Big Ben’ upright. The Steelers are regressing while the Bears are improving. Not sure that Chicago is at the point where they should be favored on the road against all but the lowest tier opponent but that being said they should win and cover here.

BET CHICAGO BEARS -1′ OVER PITTSBURGH STEELERS