Panthers at Bears: So which team is for real?
The Panthers. Next question.
Sorry, that was too glib. Give the Bears credit for what they've done. Lovie Smith has kept the team together. Coordinators Ron Turner (offense) and Ron Rivera (defense) have coached the boys up. The offensive line has done a fine job of run blocking when they aren't beating each other senseless.
But the Bears have a problem on that offensive line: right tackle John St. Clair. Forget Warren Sapp, St. Clair is the real "QB Killa." He's a turnstile, and he faces a problem named Julius Peppers this week. The Bears won't be able to keep enough backs and tight ends in pass protection to save quarterback Kyle Orton. And this week, the wind won't whip off Lake Michigan to help them (though there is snow in the forecast).
The Panthers have offensive woes of their own, but their defense will pitch a near shutout and should score a few points off its own on turnovers.
