Bears-49ers: 5 Matchups To Watch
By Dan Durkin-
(CBS) The Bears travel to San Francisco for a primetime matchup Sunday night against the 49ers. Coming off a tough loss at home to open the season, it may be a benefit for the Bears to be playing the first ever regular-season game in Levi's Stadium. Here are five individual matchups to focus on.
Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod vs. 49ers defensive end Justin Smith -- When the 49ers are in their base 3-4 package, Smith will be at right defensive end matched up against Bushrod. Fourteen years into his career, Smith isn't as spry as he once was, but he's still violent with his hands at the point of attack and uses sharp pass rush angles. Bushrod was singled up for the majority of the game last week, so he will likely be once again on an island against Smith, who tallied two sacks last week. Bushrod must be patient in his pass protection sets.
Bears tight end Martellus Bennett vs. 49ers strong safety Antoine Bethea -- With Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery dealing with injuries, Bennett figures to play a big role in Sunday night's game plan. 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio uses man/zone coverage combinations and will use his safeties interchangeably. However, Bethea is primarily used to cover tight ends. Last Sunday, Bethea held Cowboys tight end Jason Witten to just two receptions for 14 yards on six targets.
Bears cornerback Tim Jennings vs. 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin -- The 49ers don't run 11 personnel as frequently as the rest of the league, but when they do, they like to put Boldin in the slot, where he'll draw Jennings in coverage. Boldin has made his mark in the NFL for his willingness to navigate traffic over the middle of the field. Jennings is still getting comfortable with his role in the slot and must be prepared for Boldin's physical style of play.
Bears safety Ryan Mundy vs. 49ers tight end Vernon Davis -- The 49ers lack an established vertical threat at wide receiver, so Davis is their best option to put stress on the top of the defense. Mundy was on the field for all 58 of the Bears' defensive snaps last week and will be relied upon as both a box defender in run support and in coverage against the speedy Davis, who has a knack for finding voids between linebackers and safeties. The 49ers like to use Davis on double moves up the seam and sidelines, so Mundy can't guess on routes.
Bears strong-side linebacker Shea McClellin vs. 49ers fullback Bruce Miller -- In 2013, the 49ers were in two-back personnel for more than 60 percent of their offensive snaps, which keeps defenses in their base package. For the Bears, the means that McClellin could see a lot of playing time on Sunday night. Miller is a physical and relentless blocker, while McClellin has historically had difficulties disengaging. So the 49ers could game plan runs to the strong side of their formations and target McClellin in the run game.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.