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The Bears and Jaguars are now preparing for each other for next week’s game. We can now assess where the teams will be at when they play each other Sunday afternoon.
First, we will take a look at the Bears, who I had drawn for the season. I think everyone watched them dismantle the Cowboys last night, intercepting 5 passes and playing a strong game on both sides of the ball. While they were 2-1 in the games before last night’s undressing, it was still a little bit of a question about how good they were. The dismantled the Colts at home in Andrew Luck’s first career start, lost to the Packers and beat the Rams, who are, at this point, unimpressive. But a win against the Cowboys, in Dallas, was a strong statement. Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are rediscovering their Denver brilliance, and the Bears defense is solid. Not 5 interceptions brilliant, of course. Tony Romo had a lot more to do with that than any scheme, but they have become intimidating.
The Jaguars aren’t the disaster I expected. They are getting some reliable only 1 interception!) output from Blaine Gabbert, but they don’t have any weapons at receiver, as rookie Justin Blackmon is really lost so far. If you take away the game against the Vikings, the passing game is producing only 131 yards a game. The defense isn’t much better. They stymied the Colts, but their offense is still finding it’s way. In all the other games, the Jags have allowed 27, 27 and 26. I don’t like Jacksonville’s chances next week.
The Jaguars seem to operate their offense like the Cowboys, but, you know, worse. They need to have a strong ground game, and have likely invested too much in their quarterback. The tight end is above average, but the wide receivers are lacking. I think the Bears are the clear favorites here, and there is only one thing, in my opinion, that can slow them down. The forecast high in Jacksonville on Sunday is 87 degrees. It will be humid, and the game time is scheduled at 4pm, ET. It’s going to be hellishly hot out on the field. It’s going to be one of those games where the sideline reporter has a thermometer on the field that measures 140 degrees. Cramps and other heat related ailment could certainly be a huge factor in this game. I would believe that the Bears would run away with this game, but I think a steady rotation on offense and defense will keep the game closer than expected.
My prediction? Bears 27, Jaguars 13. Also, I predict I will drink a lot of water.
(I should note that I am planning on making the picks for 2013 on Friday, as I do every year, from the road. 3 teams added! New Orleans and Northern Kentucky basketball, and Georgia State football!)
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