The 49ers play the Bears Monday night at Candlestick. In the meantime, I’ll break down five key matchups.
Offensive coordinator Mike Tice vs. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio
This matchup isn’t even close. It’s like Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks.
Fangio is a good defensive coordinator and Tice is not a good offensive coordinator.
Tice isn’t going to have anything creative or unusual in the Bears offensive game plan. He’s going to be ultra-conservative and predictable without starting QB Jay Cutler.
Fangio’s going to know when to play the run and when to play the pass, and he’ll stop both. He’s going to get a ton of pressure on Jason Campbell.
Fangio will have Tice all figured out by the end of the first quarter at the latest, and Tice will not be able to adjust.
Advantage: 49ers
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Here’s one matchup that clearly favors the Niners:
http://www.csnbayarea.com/football-san-francisco-niners/niners-talk/49ers-key-matchup-No-3-Justin-Smith-vs-C?blockID=803449&feedID=5936
Matt Ryan 5 picks today against the Cardinals defense
I like Tice to throw deep, something Campbell does very well. He has had a full week of practice in the gameplan so I do not expect an ultra conservative approach by Tice.
If I’m Tice this is the game to be ultra conservative. He should focus a game plan around Forte running and catching out of the back field. Force the Niners to bring a safety up and then use both Forte and Marshall on screens, hitches and the occasional deep shot.
Then mix in some TE plays in the seam and keep the Niners D off balance.
This is a nail biter, winner wins by 3 or less.