The Tribune`s Analyst of the Week is ex-Bears safety and WGN radio commentator Gary Fencik. Here is his breakdown of Sunday`s game against the Phoenix Cardinals:
– Offensive line: Advantage Bears. The Bears have more experience and cohesiveness.
– Receiver: Advantage Cardinals. J.T. Smith and Roy Green have a distinct advantage over the Bear receivers who sometimes fail to make the game stat sheet.
– Running back: Advantage Bears. John Johnson leads the NFC in rushing, but Neal Anderson and Brad Muster are becoming the best tandem in the NFL.
– Quarterback: Jim Harbaugh is improving with each game and is better than Timm Rosenbach, who will make poor decisions if pressed.
– Defensive line: Advantage Bears. No contest.
– Linebackers: Even. The Cardinals have gone to a 3-4 defense to showcase their three No. 1 pick linebackers, but the Bears have more depth.
– Secondary: Advantage Bears. The Bears cornerbacks are playing great and the Mark Carrier-Shaun Gayle combination has closed the Autobahn traffic I saw over the middle last season.
– Special teams: Even. Kevin Butler is in a class by himself, but Cardinals punter Rich Camarillo made the Pro Bowl last year.
– Prediction: Bears, 20-14.
