The first blunder bowl of 2023 is upon us, and it features none other than the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos in a matchup that will determine who’s season is truly over for the loser and who’s season is just probably over for the winner. Both Chicago and Denver are sporting winless records despite each having high hopes entering the season.
The Bears were set to take the next step in their rebuild led by Justin Fields, but have been plagued by no offensive rhythm and a soft defense. The Broncos, meanwhile, traded for head coach Sean Payton to help clean up last year’s mess and get the most out of Russell Wilson, but their problems have been on defense after they were gashed the last two weeks, surrendering 105 points in total.
Buy Bears TicketsDespite their record and embarrassing performances as of late, the Broncos still have players that could be a nuisance for the Bears to match up against. Here are five players from Denver we’ll be watching on Sunday.
1. QB Russell Wilson
The Broncos might be a disaster right now, but it’s not due to the play of their quarterback. Russell Wilson seems to have righted the ship after his awful first season in Denver last year. The veteran quarterback has thrown for 791 yards with six touchdowns and just two interceptions to start the year with a quarterback rating of 99.5. For context, he didn’t toss his sixth touchdown pass until Week 8 last season.
Payton seems to have gotten the former Super Bowl champion back on track, and he’s the least of the Broncos problems. Wilson is seeing the field like his old self, and the rapport with his receivers has improved as well. Facing this Bears defense that deploys a cover-two zone could limit the big plays he likes to make but still allow him to find open receivers in the middle of the field. Especially if he’s on the move. But for all the success Wilson has had over his career, he hasn’t fared well against the Bears recently. Wilson is 2-2 in his career against Chicago and hasn’t beaten them since 2015.
2. WR Courtland Sutton
The last couple of seasons have been tough sledding for wide receiver Courtland Sutton since he returned from a torn ACL suffered during Week 1 of the 2020 season, but he might be back to his peak. Sutton’s connection with Wilson has drastically improved since last year, and though it’s early, he’s on pace for a career year in every major category.
Sutton leads all Broncos receivers with 17 receptions on 23 targets for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He’s their clear-cut No. 1 option in the passing game, and a banged-up Bears secondary might have their hands full with him. Considering what Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans did to them a couple weeks ago, stopping the 6-foot-4 receiver should be a top priority.
3. WR Marvin Mims
If the Broncos are able to find success with the home run ball, it will likely be thanks to rookie receiver Marvin Mims. The 2023 second-round pick out of Oklahoma has quickly emerged as Denver’s big play threat early on this season. Mims has only seven catches on nine targets, but they’ve gone for 195 yards and a touchdown. He’s averaging a whopping 27.86 yards per reception. Mims also excels as a kick returner and already has one score on the season. To put it simply, he’s a threat anytime he touches the ball.
As of now, Mims is only playing around 15 offensive snaps a game. That total could begin to rise after yet another strong outing against the Dolphins, but the Bears defense would be wise to key in on him when he enters the game. Chances are, the ball is going to him on a route that takes the top off the defense.
4. LB Jonathon Cooper
Last week’s debacle solidified Denver’s defense as the worst in the league in a variety of categories for the time being, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have players who can make life difficult for the offense. Linebacker Jonathon Cooper is one of their bright spots at the linebacker position and could prove to be a tough assignment for the Bears tackles.
Cooper has 18 total tackles on the year (one for a loss) but leads the team with sacks (2.0). He also has a forced fumble on the year with one QB hit. Cooper earned a starting job this offseason and is already one sack away from setting a career high. This could be his breakout season, and the Bears line presents a prime opportunity to build on his early-season success. Watch out for No. 0 coming off the edge when Fields goes back to pass.
5. CB Patrick Surtain II
If Fields and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy had trouble getting the ball to D.J. Moore last week, this week could be a similar story. Patrick Surtain II is one of, if not the best, young cornerbacks in the league. The All-Pro is the best player on a poor defense and will be tasked with keeping Moore at bay in the passing game.
Surtain shutting down Moore isn’t a certainty by any stretch. He allowed multiple big plays to the Dolphins last week and can only do so much with the players around him. Still, Fields will need to know where he’s lined up on the field at all times. He may opt to try and exploit other matchups throughout the game.
