Week 1 // Bears (0-0) vs Titans (0-0)

[AZ_Bearfan]

Bears: 31
Titans: 20

"There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." ~ C.S. Lewis

[grendel2000]

It all comes down to the Bears' O-Line...

The Titans will heavily blitz us in an attempt to confuse and rattle CW. If our line has their ploop together, CW can make them pay dearly. If not, it could be a long day and a more iffy outcome.

My guess is that it will be a mixed bag, with the Beloved squeaking out a win, but working out a lot of the kinks in the process.

27-20 Bears:
- 2 Off TD
- 1 Def TD
- 2 x FG

[Moriarty]

It all comes down to the Bears' O-Line...

The Titans will heavily blitz us in an attempt to confuse and rattle CW. If our line has their ploop together, CW can make them pay dearly. If not, it could be a long day and a more iffy outcome.

My guess is that it will be a mixed bag, with the Beloved squeaking out a win, but working out a lot of the kinks in the process.

27-20 Bears:
- 2 Off TD
- 1 Def TD
- 2 x FG

fyi, I already took 27-20

[grendel2000]

It all comes down to the Bears' O-Line...

The Titans will heavily blitz us in an attempt to confuse and rattle CW. If our line has their ploop together, CW can make them pay dearly. If not, it could be a long day and a more iffy outcome.

My guess is that it will be a mixed bag, with the Beloved squeaking out a win, but working out a lot of the kinks in the process.

27-20 Bears:
- 2 Off TD
- 1 Def TD
- 2 x FG

fyi, I already took 27-20

Poop...

Ok, 29-20 Bears. We also get a safety after Crocodile Punter pins them on their goal line!

[dave99]

It all comes down to the Bears' O-Line...

The Titans will heavily blitz us in an attempt to confuse and rattle CW. If our line has their ploop together, CW can make them pay dearly. If not, it could be a long day and a more iffy outcome.

My guess is that it will be a mixed bag, with the Beloved squeaking out a win, but working out a lot of the kinks in the process.

27-20 Bears:
- 2 Off TD
- 1 Def TD
- 2 x FG

Right here is where the Bears plan for Williams pays dividends. By naming him starter on day1 and then throwing everything they could think of at him, he is far more prepared to deal with game day reality than say Justin Fields in Cleveland. We saw this on Hard Knocks when he told Eberflus the practices was harder than the games. Eberflus nodded in approval because that is just what he was hoping to hear.

Not saying he won't get confused, the Titans know what they are doing too, but I don't think they will be able to rattle him and take him out of his game. And while he might throw a pick (or two), it's just as possible that he ties on his cape and burns their ass for a TD (or two).

[G08]

It all comes down to the Bears' O-Line...

The Titans will heavily blitz us in an attempt to confuse and rattle CW. If our line has their ploop together, CW can make them pay dearly. If not, it could be a long day and a more iffy outcome.

My guess is that it will be a mixed bag, with the Beloved squeaking out a win, but working out a lot of the kinks in the process.

27-20 Bears:
- 2 Off TD
- 1 Def TD
- 2 x FG

Right here is where the Bears plan for Williams pays dividends. By naming him starter on day1 and then throwing everything they could think of at him, he is far more prepared to deal with game day reality than say Justin Fields in Cleveland. We saw this on Hard Knocks when he told Eberflus the practices was harder than the games. Eberflus nodded in approval because that is just what he was hoping to hear.

Not saying he won't get confused, the Titans know what they are doing too, but I don't think they will be able to rattle him and take him out of his game. And while he might throw a pick (or two), it's just as possible that he ties on his cape and burns their ass for a TD (or two).

It all comes down to the Bears' O-Line...

The Titans will heavily blitz us in an attempt to confuse and rattle CW. If our line has their ploop together, CW can make them pay dearly. If not, it could be a long day and a more iffy outcome.

My guess is that it will be a mixed bag, with the Beloved squeaking out a win, but working out a lot of the kinks in the process.

27-20 Bears:
- 2 Off TD
- 1 Def TD
- 2 x FG

Precisely and it's also why I think we'll come out with the plan to be run-heavy with built-in checks to get the ball out quick if they're stacking the box / blitzing.

I'd have to think there are a handful of plays on the call sheet where Caleb feels extremely comfortable -- maybe even a couple from his USC days.


Can't fucking wait for the season to start!!

[Arkansasbear]

It all comes down to the Bears' O-Line...

The Titans will heavily blitz us in an attempt to confuse and rattle CW. If our line has their ploop together, CW can make them pay dearly. If not, it could be a long day and a more iffy outcome.

My guess is that it will be a mixed bag, with the Beloved squeaking out a win, but working out a lot of the kinks in the process.

27-20 Bears:
- 2 Off TD
- 1 Def TD
- 2 x FG

Right here is where the Bears plan for Williams pays dividends. By naming him starter on day1 and then throwing everything they could think of at him, he is far more prepared to deal with game day reality than say Justin Fields in Cleveland. We saw this on Hard Knocks when he told Eberflus the practices was harder than the games. Eberflus nodded in approval because that is just what he was hoping to hear.

Not saying he won't get confused, the Titans know what they are doing too, but I don't think they will be able to rattle him and take him out of his game. And while he might throw a pick (or two), it's just as possible that he ties on his cape and burns their ass for a TD (or two).

When you say he might throw a pick or two, I assume you mean in his career, not the game.

[dave99]

Right here is where the Bears plan for Williams pays dividends. By naming him starter on day1 and then throwing everything they could think of at him, he is far more prepared to deal with game day reality than say Justin Fields in Cleveland. We saw this on Hard Knocks when he told Eberflus the practices was harder than the games. Eberflus nodded in approval because that is just what he was hoping to hear.

Not saying he won't get confused, the Titans know what they are doing too, but I don't think they will be able to rattle him and take him out of his game. And while he might throw a pick (or two), it's just as possible that he ties on his cape and burns their ass for a TD (or two).

When you say he might throw a pick or two, I assume you mean in his career, not the game.

No of course not. That is an reasonable expectation for a rookie QB.
I meant in the season. Two this season as against say, 50 touchdowns.

[Arkansasbear]

When you say he might throw a pick or two, I assume you mean in his career, not the game.

No of course not. That is an reasonable expectation for a rookie QB.
I meant in the season. Two this season as against say, 50 touchdowns.

Fair take 1 or 2 this season then no more in his career.

[Mikefive]

I'm buying the Bears defense. Not so much on the offense with new scheme and rookie QB, even with the weapons he has available. I know the Titans have made a bunch of changes, but I'm not sold on Levis yet. I look for both teams to run the ball and shorten the game. Look for QB confusion leading to turnovers both ways. In the end, the Bears D and Williams finds a way in a field goal fest.

Bears 19
Titans 16

[malk]

Anyone else think it was today lol?

[Rusty Trombagent]

Anyone else think it was today lol?

[The Kaiser]

Bears 24, Titans 6

Bears extend their domination from preseason. Lopsided victory includes a defensive TD against a totally outmatched Titans offense.

CW goes for 240 yards and 1 TD.

[LacertineForest]

Bears - 22
Titans - 19

A win is a win. I think things are going to be a bit disjointed, but it's all to be expected. The defense does their job and gives the Bears' offense just enough chances to pull out the win.

[cblaz11]

Bears 30
Titans 20

[HisRoyalSweetness]

[Middleguard]

fyi, I already took 27-20

Somebody must think I'm holding my contest again this year. Well, I am. Details on their way.

My usual procedure for calculating power rankings and (for the Bears scores) is heavily dependent on previous years performances. That method predicts a Bears' win by 5. It's not far off the published lines for the game. No coincidence. I deduced years ago that most of the "professional" analysts were basing their early predictions almost entirely on the prior season, no matter what that blathered about to justify those predictions.

But I'm not content to go so low as a 5 point margin (a common failing of mine). I'm giving them an extra FG despite their new snapper.
Bears 27 Titans 19

[Ditka’s dictaphone]

fyi, I already took 27-20

Somebody must think I'm holding my contest again this year. Well, I am. Details on their way.

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Somebody must think I'm holding my contest again this year. Well, I am. Details on their way.

This place wouldn't be the same without your contest and it's mysterious end-of-season scoring system!

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Latest injury news:

Keenan Allen was back today after his "cleats" issue and so was Ryan Bates.

The only players not participating at practice were Zacch Pickens and Roschon Johnson, so it seems the issue that forced Teven Jenkins out of the last session wasn't anything too serious.

There will be an official injury report out on Wednesday so presumably we'll finally find out what's ailing Roschon Johnson. He's been missing for weeks now.

Oh and for those who didn't watch today's player pressers, the practices Jaylon Johnson missed a few days ago, which Eberflus said was because of a "good" personal reason, were due to the birth of his daughter Xoel (pronounced Zo-El).

[UOK]

Latest injury news:

Keenan Allen was back today after his "cleats" issue and so was Ryan Bates.

The only players not participating at practice were Zacch Pickens and Roschon Johnson, so it seems the issue that forced Teven Jenkins out of the last session wasn't anything too serious.

There will be an official injury report out on Wednesday so presumably we'll finally find out what's ailing Roschon Johnson. He's been missing for weeks now.

Oh and for those who didn't watch today's player pressers, the practices Jaylon Johnson missed a few days ago, which Eberflus said was because of a "good" personal reason, were due to the birth of his daughter Xoel (pronounced Zo-El).

1. Injury news is mostly good! Enjoy it, as by this time next week there will be more injury news that is not good, because NFL.

2. Congrats to Jaylon!

3. That is an absolutely abysmal name, but we are in the era of awful baby names

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Titans' Brian Callahan: You have to treat Caleb Williams with 'respect' of a No. 1 pick

The Tennessee Titans hope to keep alive the string of Week 1 No. 1 overall quarterbacks starting their careers with a loss.

The past 10 No. 1 QBs to start Week 1 -- Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, Jameis Winston, Andrew Luck, Cam Newton, Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford and Carson Palmer -- combined for an 0-9-1 record in their debuts. The lone non-loss came from Murray in a 27-27 tie against Detroit.

Not only have there been zero victories for No. 1 QBs in Week 1 since David Carr in 2002, but there have also been some ugly performances.

With that backdrop, the Titans head to Chicago to face Caleb Williams and the revamped Bears.

On Monday, Tennessee's new coach, Brian Callahan, glowed about the rookie quarterback.

"He's everything a No. 1 pick you would expect to be," Callahan said, via The Tennessean. "You have to treat him as such and treat him with that kind of respect. Obviously you have to earn that in this league. He's got to do it in regular-season games. I just hope it isn't in the first week."
...

"I'm a huge fan of Caleb Williams and what he did at USC," Callahan said. "I've watched him over the years. Really dynamic player. It's really fun as a fan of quarterbacks to watch him play."
...

Full article: https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-brian-c ... -no-1-pick

[HurricaneBear]

Titans' Brian Callahan: You have to treat Caleb Williams with 'respect' of a No. 1 pick

The Tennessee Titans hope to keep alive the string of Week 1 No. 1 overall quarterbacks starting their careers with a loss.

The past 10 No. 1 QBs to start Week 1 -- Bryce Young, Trevor Lawrence, Joe Burrow, Kyler Murray, Jameis Winston, Andrew Luck, Cam Newton, Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford and Carson Palmer -- combined for an 0-9-1 record in their debuts. The lone non-loss came from Murray in a 27-27 tie against Detroit.

Not only have there been zero victories for No. 1 QBs in Week 1 since David Carr in 2002, but there have also been some ugly performances.

With that backdrop, the Titans head to Chicago to face Caleb Williams and the revamped Bears.

On Monday, Tennessee's new coach, Brian Callahan, glowed about the rookie quarterback.

"He's everything a No. 1 pick you would expect to be," Callahan said, via The Tennessean. "You have to treat him as such and treat him with that kind of respect. Obviously you have to earn that in this league. He's got to do it in regular-season games. I just hope it isn't in the first week."
...

"I'm a huge fan of Caleb Williams and what he did at USC," Callahan said. "I've watched him over the years. Really dynamic player. It's really fun as a fan of quarterbacks to watch him play."
...

Full article: https://www.nfl.com/news/titans-brian-c ... -no-1-pick

How different than the days of opposing teams saying they just need to make Bears QBs play QB to beat the Bears.

[malagabears]

Bears 34 - 20 over Titans. Here is Fishbain's copy of the "unofficial" depth chart. Although we run a 4-3 on paper it will be 4-2-5 on most downs.

[UOK]

Bears 34 - 20 over Titans. Here is Fishbain's copy of the "unofficial" depth chart. Although we run a 4-3 on paper it will be 4-2-5 on most downs.

It looks like VJJ made the roster solely as a kick returner. He's the last option at WR and not on the RB depth chart. I highly doubt they'll have him return punts if at all possible.

The leash is short.

[Moriarty]

Oh and for those who didn't watch today's player pressers, the practices Jaylon Johnson missed a few days ago, which Eberflus said was because of a "good" personal reason, were due to the birth of his daughter Xoel (pronounced Zo-El).

3. That is an absolutely abysmal name, but we are in the era of awful baby names

[Bearfacts]

Bears 34 - 20 over Titans. Here is Fishbain's copy of the "unofficial" depth chart. Although we run a 4-3 on paper it will be 4-2-5 on most downs.

It looks like VJJ made the roster solely as a kick returner. He's the last option at WR and not on the RB depth chart. I highly doubt they'll have him return punts if at all possible.

The leash is short.

I'm gonna believe that over the course of the season they'll find some ways to use him on offense as long as he shows he can execute well enough to be trusted. He won't be taking the punts. Carter will.

[o-pus #40 in B major]

Latest injury news:

Keenan Allen was back today after his "cleats" issue and so was Ryan Bates.

The only players not participating at practice were Zacch Pickens and Roschon Johnson, so it seems the issue that forced Teven Jenkins out of the last session wasn't anything too serious.

There will be an official injury report out on Wednesday so presumably we'll finally find out what's ailing Roschon Johnson. He's been missing for weeks now.

Oh and for those who didn't watch today's player pressers, the practices Jaylon Johnson missed a few days ago, which Eberflus said was because of a "good" personal reason, were due to the birth of his daughter Xoel (pronounced Zo-El).

1. Injury news is mostly good! Enjoy it, as by this time next week there will be more injury news that is not good, because NFL.

2. Congrats to Jaylon!

3. That is an absolutely abysmal name, but we are in the era of awful baby names

I think it's kind of a retro cool name for a baby - like Superman's father, Jor-El. Those were the comics I read when Sayers was making his mark as a young player, so there's a little historical context that makes it work for me and - in those days - Sayers definitely reminded fans of Superman.

Congratulations to Jaylon and his family!

[HisRoyalSweetness]

I'm gonna believe that over the course of the season they'll find some ways to use him on offense as long as he shows he can execute well enough to be trusted. He won't be taking the punts. Carter will.

Strangely that doesn't fill me with a whole lot of confidence. I doubt Carter would have made the roster if Webster hadn't got hurt. Carter did not impress as a punt returner in preseason whereas Webster actually did quite well with that. Webster also looked decent as a receiver.

[spudbear]

Glad someone made the Superman reference for Xoel, as that was my first thought.

Forecast for Soldier Field Sunday is sunny 71, almost California-like.
After Bears get past their initial jitters, offense gets some momentum and Williams throws a long one after grinding out a few drives. Defense makes Titans one-dimensional shutting down their running game. They go into halftime with a decent lead. In the third quarter some mistakes are made and the game gets a little closer. Flus and coaches make the adjustments and the Bears score both on offense and defense in the 4th quarter.

Bears 30
Titans 16