Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more
By Matt Shetler
After starting out the season with two bad losses, the Pittsburgh Steelers will try and avoid an 0-3 start to the 2013 season.
It won’t be easy as the Chicago Bears come to town.
Through two weeks, these teams are in different places after the first two weeks. Chicago is riding high at 2-0, while the Steelers look like one of the worst teams in football.
Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) passes during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Chicago won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Steelers find a way to get back on track and salvage this season?
Let’s take a look.
When: Sunday, September 22 at 8:30 pm EST
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Watch: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Live Extra
Spread: Bears -2
Rankings: Bears- Offense (15th), Defense (16th); Steelers- Offense (31st), Defense (ninth)
Last Meeting: 2009 Bears 17-14 at Soldier Field
All-Time Series: Bears, 17-7-1
Keys For Bears:
1. Create Turnovers: The Bears have forced six turnovers, including an interception returned by Tim Jennings 44 yards for a touchdown last week. Chicago led the NFL with 145 points scored off 44 takeaways last season. If they can force a few Steelers mistakes, they likely win this game going away.
2. Protect Jay Cutler: Cutler is prone to mistakes when under pressure and the pressure will be on the likes of rookies Kyle Long and Jordan Mills on the right side of the line, who will be tested by the blitzing Steelers defense. But considering the fact that the Steelers rank last in the NFL with only one sack on the season, it may not be a tough as an assignment as many may think.
3. Big Day from Matt Forte: I expect to see a ton of Forte both on the ground and through the air. Both the Bengals and Titans have had decent success running on the Steelers defense this season, especially on first down. If Forte has a decent all-around day, it will go a long way towards a Bears victory.