Sweet Home, Chicago?

The struggling Bears hope to be singing a different tune, when they return home this Sunday to face the Browns. Following back-to-back road disappointments to the Falcons and Bengals, Chicago hosts its first game at Soldier Field since the October 4^th victory against the Lions.

The formula for a return to the win column is simple. Take care of the ball on offense. The past two weeks have seen the Bears turnover the ball a total of seven times. Jay Cutler was the main culprit, as he tossed five picks in those two games.

The Bears come into this week’s game desperately needing a win to have any hope of playing meaningful November and December football. The 1-6 Browns, who are having their own problems putting points on the board, (just over ten per game), present a golden opportunity for Chicago to begin a new winning streak.

Cutler and company WILL be able to move the ball, as the Browns bring one of the league’s worst defenses, ranking 24^th against the pass and 31^st against the run.

If Matt Forte cannot break the century mark in rushing for just the second time this season, against the next-to-last rushing defense in the NFL, then the Bears faithful might as well get started early on their holiday shopping.

The Broncos brass must be in pain from laughing so hard at the early returns of the offseason deal that brought a very consistent Kyle Orton to Denver in the Jay Cutler trade.

Unless the Bears let Josh Cribbs loose on special teams for a couple of scores, there should be no reason to expect anything less than a convincing triumph by Chicago.

Should the Bears hold serve against Cleveland, the following week brings the Arizona Cardinals to town for an uncomfortable, perhaps chilly November matchup. At 5-3, Chicago would remain in the conversation as a playoff contender.

On the other hand, the 2009-10 Chicago Bears are not in a position to look past any team in the NFL. Let’s hope that the Bears themselves don’t soon turn into a “look-ahead” team.

Bears 28 Browns 10