It’s a game featuring two young quarterbacks, defenses that have had to deal with injuries and teams desperate for a victory.
When the Bears and San Francisco 49ers match 1-5 records Sunday night at Soldier Field, they’ll be able to compare notes.
“We’re a young team like Chicago,” San Francisco coach Dennis Erickson said. “In a lot of ways, we’re similar. The thing with us right now is to get better and better each week for the next 10 weeks, and whatever happens happens.”
Rookie quarterback Craig Krenzel will make his first start for the Bears, and he’ll need help from the rest of the offense. The Bears need a big game from running back Thomas Jones to keep the pressure off Krenzel.
And the receiving corps wouldn’t mind coming up with its first touchdown reception. “He knows we’re going to lay it on the line for him,” wide receiver David Terrell said.
San Francisco quarterback Tim Rattay had off-season groin surgery and missed practice time last week with a sore forearm. He is a game-time decision.
Who has the edge?
QUARTERBACKS
Tim Rattay has sore arm, but experience gives him the nod over Craig Krenzel.
EDGE: 49ERS.
RUNNING BACKS
Thomas Jones could get back to 100 yards; 49ers fullback Fred Beasley a Pro Bowl blocker.
EDGE: BEARS.
RECEIVERS
49ers tight end Eric Johnson is second in NFL with 45 catches.
EDGE: 49ERS.
OFFENSIVE LINE
John Tait and Olin Kreutz give Bears the edge as 49ers again go without injured center Jeremy Newberry.
EDGE: BEARS.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Tackles Bryant Young and Anthony Adams give 49ers inside strength; Bears miss injured Adewale Ogunleye.
EDGE: 49ERS.
LINEBACKERS
Brian Urlacher-Lance Briggs combo gets the nod.
EDGE: BEARS.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
With cornerback Jerry Azumah back in the lineup, Bears healthier than 49ers.
EDGE: BEARS.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Todd Peterson’s only field-goal miss from 46 yards; Arnaz Battle a threat on punt returns.
EDGE: 49ERS.
COACHING
Both teams 1-5, but Lovie Smith has kept Bears closer while dealing with more injuries.
EDGE: BEARS.
