The Chicago Bears vs Buffalo Bills ...in Toronto?! The Bears and Bills will travel across the northern border to compete at the Rogers Centre in Toronto in a week 9 matchup. Chicago is coming off of their bye week and a loss to Washington in their last game. The Bills suffered a defeat to Kansas City in overtime last week. Both teams have had their up and down moments in this 2010 season. The Bears seem to have defensively reverted to the team that lost to Indianapolis in the Super Bowl a few years back, but offensively, it's been another roller coaster of a season in Chicago. Quarterback Jay Cutler burst out of the gate and was leading the league in QB rating for the first couple of weeks. However, he has faltered as of late and a young receiving corps grasping offensive coordinator Mike Martz's system could be the main reason why. In Martz's offense, the quarterback takes a deep drop and throws to a spot on the field, trusting his receiver to make plays on the ball. Cutler threw four interceptions, all to DeAngelo Hall, in his last game. On at least two of those plays, his intended receiver either stopped running the route or didn't make a good play on the ball. It also doesn't help that Cutler is the most sacked quarterback in the league, taking deep drops behind the worst offensive line in football. The Bills cut their projected starting quarterback, Trent Edwards, on September 27th. They also traded first-round pick Marshawn Lynch on October 11th to Seattle for two draft picks.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has been solid for them at quarterback, throwing 12 touchdown passes versus only five interceptions. The Bills defense relies a lot on second year pro who is questionable for this week's game. Byrd, who was elected to the Pro Bowl his rookie season, is the son of Bears defensive backs coach Gill Byrd. He intercepted nine passes last season. Offensively, expect the Bills to pound the ball on the ground with Fred Jackson and rookie C.J. Spiller. Both teams are very solid on special teams. Bears kicker Robbie Gould has been exceptional throughout his career and Buffalo's Rian Lindell hasn't been too shabby himself. Buffalo punter Brian Moorman is an outstanding athlete for the position and has been known to run a lot of fake punt run plays in his time. Chicago's Brad Maynard won't run very often, but he's been a great punter for pinning opponents inside their own 10. Return men Danieal Manning, Devin Hester, and Johnny Knox lead the Bears special team unit coached by Dave Toub. The Bills send Spiller out to return kickoffs and use speedy Roscoe Parrish to run back punts. Expect a hard hitting and very fast game from both special teams units. One big play from an unheralded player could be the difference between winning and losing this game.
