Can Matt Barkley Help Deliver The Chicago Bears A Win?


Can Matt Barkley lead the Chicago Bears to a victory over the Tennessee Titans this Sunday? It will be a difficult task, but for the Bears, anything can happen. There are reasons to believe that the Bears can defeat the Titans, and there are reasons to think the opposite. Everything will rest on the shoulders of Matt Barkley, with some assistance from the Bears’ defense. Again, it will not be easy.

The challenge ahead for Matt Barkley and Chicago Bears are because of the players who will be missing the game. Unfortunately, the missing players are some of their best. The Bears will be without their best overall players in Kyle Long, Alshon Jeffery, Zach Miller, Jerrell Freeman, Josh Sitton, and most importantly, Jay Cutler.

Defeating the Titans would be an easier proposition with them all on the field.

According to Bleacher Report, Jay Cutler has a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder and it is believed that he will miss a considerable amount of time. Some close to the Bears’ organization thinks he has played his last game with the team.

Bears’ head coach John Fox eventually denied the report. He has officially listed Jay Cutler as doubtful for Sunday’s game, according to ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson.

Say what you will about Jay Cutler, but his ability to deliver the football in tight spots could keep things close at least. And not having Cutler, while few will admit this, probably hurts the Bears the most. Cutler’s injury could be a season-ending one, opening the door for Matt Barkley to start this Sunday.

There will be some trepidation. That is because few people outside of the Bears’ organization truly know what Matt Barkley can do.

Sunday will be Barkley first-ever NFL start. Is he ready? The answer to that question will be revealed when the Bears play the Titans, who have a good defense, not a great one.

Barkley admitted to reporters that he sees an opportunity in his hands that he can build upon. A solid showing on Sunday would guarantee him some serious consideration for future starts.

“When you look at it, what reality means in my shoes, yeah, big things could be ahead. I don’t want to blow this up out of proportion and look back and say woulda, coulda, shoulda and all that stuff.”

Matt Barkley believes in himself, but knows that he has to put it together against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday.

“If I just make the most, give my all right now for this week, this one week, and then move on to the next week right after that, that’s how I’m approaching this.”

The Chicago Bears will have to employ a heavy rushing attack. Doing so will ease things up a bit for Matt Barkley. A heavy dose of Jordan Howard and Jeremy Langford could tire out an aggressive Titans’ run defense that gives up 98.2 rushing yards per game.

There will be some times when Barkley will be able to find his Bears’ receivers. The Titans are 3oth against the pass. If Barkley can execute, and receivers Cameron Meredith and Eddie Royal can get some separation, the Bears will be able to move the chains. Protecting Matt Barkley will also be key.

There is little doubt that the Titans will put eight defenders at the line of scrimmage. The Titans are going to try and force the Bears to throw the football with Matt Barkley. Along with stopping the Bears’ running game, the Titans will try to blitz on passing downs.

The Tennessee Titans are third in the NFL with 30 quarterback sacks, proving that they do get in the opposing teams’ offensive backfield. A strong game by both Howard and Langford will make things honest.

Sunday will provide a strong test for Matt Barkley and the Chicago Bears, but do not completely count them out. If you are a Bears’ fan, you want them to have some success, as this game truly offers a glimpse of the future.

It is safe to say that this Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans will be about talent development for the Chicago Bears. Sunday officially marks the day where Bears players who want to be around for the long haul will start to establish themselves. The list of players includes quarterback Matt Barkley.

[Featured Image by Stacy Revere/Getty Images]

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