Opponent Scouting Report: Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams

An up and coming quarterback, now one of the lowest rated players at his position.

A line that can’t clear paths for its talented backfield, or handle edge rushers.

A creative play calling head coach, who looks way more pedestrian than he did a year ago.

A receiver who has been the lone bright spot on offense.

A defense that has endured loses, but is still pretty good.

Rams fans, you know all about the 2019 Chicago Bears, because they have somehow simultaneously replicated the script of the 2019 LA Rams season. It’s kind of remarkable really, and now one of these teams will have to clean up their act enough to find a win tomorrow night at the Coliseum in front of a national television audience.

On offense the Bears much-maligned quarterback/bust Mitch Trubisky should spend a fair share of time under siege; as tackles Charles Leno Jr and Bobby Massie have faltered too often this season. If Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey is able to neutralize the Bears lone standout receiver, Allen Robinson II, then there may not be anywhere for Trubisky to turn if Aaron Donald and the gang are generating some heat up front. Super gadget running back Tariq Cohen has had a disappointing season, but rookie running back David Montgomery appears to give the Bears a quality threat out of the backfield, provided the line can help him out. The Rams currently boast the 5th best rushing defense in the league though, so anything Montgomery gets will be earned.

If you were to reverse the last paragraph, basically all that could be said going the other way. In a rather disturbing turn of events, the Rams will be fielding their struggling patchwork offensive line against the 4th ranked defense in the league. However, rotund defensive end Akiem Hicks is on injured reserve, and linebacker Danny Trevathan is out, so the Rams should be able to focus most of their attention on playmaker extraordinaire Khalil Mack; of course attention doesn’t necessarily translate into success against a player like Mack. If Mack can single handedly bully the Rams line and pressure Jared Goff, then the Bears talented secondary could shine like it was 2018. Cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara and safties Eddie Jackson and Clinton Dix, will be a handfull for the Rams receivers, especially with Brandin Cooks out.

The matchup should have a bowl game type of atmosphere, with a fairly split crowd under the lights, and the Coliseum torch burning. If either offense makes it to 20 points, they should be in pretty good shape to get the win. Both team’s playoff hopes hang in the balance, and tomorrow night very well may feel like survival.