Carolina at Chicago

Carolina certainly impressed last week. They shut out their host and litterally ran all over them. Can they repeat that performance this week? It's going to be a lot tougher. The Giants simply couldn't stop Carolina on third down last week. But, Chicago's defense this year rivals the best of all time. Statistically, it's better than that of the 2001 Ravens and even the 1985 Bears - considered the best of all time. Both of those teams won the Super Bowl. Chicago allowed 282 yards per game this year (2nd) and 12.6 points per game (1st). Carolina had a near perfect game last week. They faced an ill-prepared Giants team that turned the ball over five times. How easy will it be to turn in back-to-back great performances? Chicago will stop Carolina's run in this game. Plain and simple. They will force 3rd and long and force the game into one dimension: Delhomme to Steve Smith. If Carolina can make that hookup work consistently, they win this game. If not, they lose. I'm betting Chicago just won't let that happen. Chicago's offense is very suspect. They scored just 16.3 points per game this year and they have an inexperienced quarterback in Rex Grossman. Inexperienced QB's had a very rough go of it last week. But, with this defense, they just need to run the ball. This is something that Chicago does very well (131 yards per game). And, Grossman knows he needs to manage the game and can make the deep throw to keep the Panthers' defense honest. In November, Carolina came into Chicago and lost 13-3. This game may have the exact same score. Chicago's defense is just WAY too good to not back here at home on the frozen tundra. The public has moved this from -3 to -2.5 based on Carolina's dominating performacne last week. As stated, will be tough to repeat that here. One star on the Bears and one star on the UNDER.