Chicago Bears vs Oakland Raiders – Sunday Week 12: NFL Preview
The Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders are poised for their first encounter since 2007 and both sides have lost their quarterbacks to injury.
Both the sides have been hit hard by injuries. The Bears have lost their quarterback Jay Cutler who has been sidelined for upcoming weeks. Cutler’s injury comes as a blow for the Bears who are fuelled up with five consecutive victories
but will they be able to manage Cutler’s loss is yet to be seen.
Cutler sustained a thumb injury during the 31-20 victory over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. As Cutler attempted to tackle Antoine Cason in the four quarter of the game, he injured his right thumb. Cutler stayed in the field
for the remainder of the game.
With Cutler sidelined Caleb Hanie has been brought forward as the backup against the Oakland. Hanie in his four year career has completed 8 of 14 passes for 66 yards. This would be Hanie’s first start in over a year after he played
against the Packers last year. Hanie appeared all charged up for Sunday’s encounter.
"I know where I am in the offense, I know what I'm doing in this offense. I've been waiting for this opportunity," he said.
Chicago’s Head coach Lovie Smith appeared pretty confident of Hanie. He said that Hanie had been with the team for a long time and they felt quite comfortable with him.
On the other hand, the Raiders faced their setback with Jason Campbell going out of action due to a collar bone injury. Calmer will now be the replacement starting in Campbell’s place. Palmer was acquired from the Cincinnati two
days after Campbell suffered an injury. Palmer has completed 58 of 99 passes for 911 yards with six touchdowns. Palmer took to the field in Sunday’s 27-21 win at Minnesota and played his role.
"Every chance I get to go on the field, whether it's practice or games, I feel more comfortable with it," Palmer said.
The Oakland Raiders will also have to contend with the loss of their running back Darren McFadden. McFadden is nursing a foot injury and would likely be out of action for the next two weeks. Michael Bush moved in to fill the gap
in the last three games and proved to be an efficient player.
The Raiders are also faced with a shortage of receivers. Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Darrius Heyward-Bey are all uncertain for Sunday’s game. So this is another challenge for Palmer.
"It makes it difficult. You don't get the same guys on the field from the week before, that rhythm and timing thing slows down a little bit. " Palmer said.
The problem for Bush and the Raiders will come from the defence of Bears. Their defence for the past one and a half month has merely allowed an average of about 66 rushing yards. This would boost the confidence of the Bears to
score their sixth victory.
The Bears also have a big asset in the shape of wide receiver Devin Hester who is a game winner. If he runs wild on Sunday then things will be very difficult for the Raiders.
Tags: