The Chicago Bears (0-3) will face the Denver Broncos (0-3) on Sunday, where Chicago is looking to end an 13-game losing streak dating back to last season.
Honestly, this is the Bears’ best chance to get a win and break the losing streak against a Broncos team that lost by 50 points last week. But it won’t be an easy win, by any means. Russell Wilson has had a solid season, and he’s poised to attack a depleted Chicago secondary. Can Justin Fields rise to the occasion and get the offense on track?
Buy Bears TicketsBefore the game, we caught up with managing editor Jon Heath of Broncos Wire to get the scoop on the Bears’ Week 4 opponent.
Here are five questions with Broncos Wire:
1
The Broncos are winless through the first three games, including a 50-point loss to the Dolphins. What’s been the biggest determining factor in their struggles this season?
Jon Heath: Definitely the defense. Believe it or not, the offense has made big strides since last season. The defense has regressed, though, and while defensive coordinator Vance Joseph deserves his fair share of blame, the defensive roster simply isn’t good enough (outside of stars Pat Surtain and Justin Simmons). Teams should continue to be able to score points on the Broncos all season.
2
What’s been your evaluation of Russell Wilson this season? Do you think he’s the answer in Denver?
JH: He’s good enough to win with, which is a big upgrade from the 2022 version of Wilson under Nathaniel Hackett. New coach Sean Payton has tailored the offense to Wilson’s strengths, getting him on the move more and giving him shots down the field after establishing a ground game. Wilson might never return to being the elite QB he once was, but if the defense gets its act together, Wilson and the offense can score enough points to win games.
3
Are there any areas where the Bears offense can exploit this Broncos defense?
JH: Run it right up the gut against their inside linebackers who missed approximately 348 tackles last week. Justin Fields is probably smart enough to not target Surtain in coverage, but the cornerback across from him — Damarri Mathis — is a huge liability. Chicago should be able to move the ball on the ground and when they do need to throw, Mathis is Denver’s weakness in the secondary.
4
Who is one under-the-radar Broncos player on offense and defense that Bears fans should know?
JH: On offense, WR Marvin Mims (19) hasn’t become a national name yet (probably in part because Denver is struggling), but he’s quickly become a fan favorite locally. He’s a big play waiting to happen with elite speed. On defense, it’s harder to pick an underrated player for the Broncos. Surtain and Simmons are the stars and everyone else is probably rated appropriately. CB Essang Bassey (21) has quietly emerged as a reliable slot cornerback and he’s filled in at safety when needed, so he could be a player to watch.
5
What’s your score prediction for the game?
JH: It’s hard to pick the Broncos to win a game after last week’s disaster, but perhaps that reality check will motivate the team to get back on track this week. Denver’s offense should be able to move the ball against a struggling Chicago defense, so I have the Broncos winning 28-21.
