With a disappointing Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the books, let’s look ahead to the Chicago Bears’ Week 3 matchup, a home game against the Houston Texans and former Bears coach Lovie Smith.
The Texans are coming off a low-scoring loss to the Denver Broncos, another team that has so far underwhelmed. Combined with their Week 1 tie with the floundering Indianapolis Colts, they currently stand at 0-1-1.
The Texans traded away their former star quarterback Deshawn Watson last offseason and are in a full-on rebuild. Even coach Smith seems to be a placeholder for the organization.
You can never look past an opponent, but this appears to be a favorable matchup for the Bears. Unlike their previous two opponents, the Texans offense does not have a Deebo Samuel or an Aaron Rodgers, players that keep defensive coordinators up at night. Their defense is well-coached but, again, lacks any true playmaker.
Hopefully, this proves to be a “get right” game for Chicago, and fans see the things they were told they’d see: sustained drives, smothering defense, and smart football. I expect a win, though it may be closer than expected.
Playing two of the best teams in the NFC was a tough start to the season for the rebuilding Bears, but Chicago came out 1-1, ahead of where many in the national media expected. Starting with the Texans and continuing to Week 4 with the New York Giants, Bears fans will get a fair look at Luke Getsy’s offense and Matt Eberflus’ defense.
Ideally, the Bears string two wins together over the next two weeks and enter a road game against the Minnesota Vikings at 3-1. It’s a best-case scenario for Chicago even after such a frustrating loss to the division-rival Packers.