Bears-Giants Preview

Here's my preview of tonight's huge Bears-Giants matchup:

Who Has the Edge?

Offense
The Bears simply must get back to the running game tonight. They have won their last 12 games in which Thomas Jones got 20 or more carries. They need to have game plans similar to last year's, but with a little more passing. As horrifying as last year's "run all the time" game plans may sound to Bears fans who have been spoiled by Rex Grossman's good games this year, they're a lot better than trying to be "The Greatest Show on Turf" and possibly giving the ball away 5 or 6 times. Grossman will be making his 16th NFL start tomorrow night. He isn't at the level yet where they can throw him out there and expect him to throw the ball around like a veteran, especially against tougher defenses. The Giants will be looking to do the same thing: establish the run with Tiki Barber. They will especially look to exploit the Bears with outside runs, which the Bears had a lot of trouble stopping last week against Ronnie Brown and the Dolphins. Chicago has been very effective against tight ends this year, but they'll have their toughest matchup yet against Jeremy Shockey. It will be critical to limit him. As for Plaxico Burress, I think the Bears have a little something special lying in wait for him. Edge: Giants

Defense
The Bears need to rebound on defense as well, keeping contain on outside runs and filling their gaps properly. This unit, especially the secondary, should come out pissed off and ready to pound the Giants. It'll be easier said than done though. If they can limit Barber, they should be able to force Eli Manning into a mistake or two. The Giants will come out looking for Rex Grossman's head, but that'll be a little harder to do without defensive ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. The Giants' run defense isn't too bad either, ranked 8th in the NFL. If Grossman has time to throw though, New York could be in for a long night. Edge: Bears

Special Teams
For the Bears, Robbie Gould is still as solid as ever. Devin Hester must rebound from another critical mistake against the Dolphins, I think he will be a key figure in tonight's game. For the Giants, kicker Jay Feely has been accurate from in close, but is 2-4 from 40+ yards. Return man Chad Morton has been average on kickoffs and punts. Edge: Bears

Coaching
Bears coach Lovie Smith must get it into his players' heads that they just can't give the ball away. Offensive coordinator must stop his "Air Coryell" playcalling and run the ball more, even if it doesn't succeed early in the game. It will be interesting to see how Giants coach Tom Coughlin adjusts to all of his injuries on offense. The team is coming off a close game against Houston. Edge: Even

Intangibles
The Bears will come out either pissed off and ready to play or lacking some confidence after getting beaten up at home last week. How they respond will determine how this game, and the rest of the season, goes. The Giants and the New York media have been trash talking all week, and the Bears tend to play better when people doubt them. Edge: Bears

Prediction
The Bears will finally have a close game, and they'll come out and show the doubters that they're not overrated. Bears 20, Giants 13