Ramblin’ Fan chats with BearGoggles to preview Sunday’s matchup

In our endless effort to bring our Ramblin’ Fan readers the inside information on everything St. Louis Rams, we had an opportunity to chat with Michael Burzawa over at our sister site Beargoggleson.com to preview Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. Be sure to head over the Beargoggles to check out our responses to some great questions, but for now check out some great ones right here!

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What’s the deal with Jay Cutler? Is he good, is he bad? It seems the jury is out indent coming back for a while. What’s your take Mike.

"“Jay Cutler remains a mystery.  Is he good?  Is he bad?  Depends when you’re asking.  Every time people are ready to run him out of town, he re-emerges and gets back into everyone’s good graces.  He’s definitely having a resurgence under offensie coordinator Adam Gase and QB coach Dowell Loggains.  I think at the end of the day, Cutler is what he is – he’s a decent quarterback who will win you a game just as easily as he might lose you one.  Just last week in prime time it was vintage Cutler – he threw a pick-6 but then rallied to lead the Bears to a 4th quarter win.  I think the Bears can win with Cutler, they just might not always win because of Cutler.”"

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) carries the ball as Minnesota Vikings free safety Harrison Smith (22) defends during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Matt Forte, for any period of time, isn’t good. When do you expect him back and how do you replace his production?

"“Forte practiced in a limited fashion this week and remains questionable for Sunday.  He might give it a go, you never know.  To replace Forte, the Bears will turn to rookie running back Jeremy Langford.  Langford played the all-purpose role in Forte’s absence last week.  He showed good burst, good ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and picked up blitzes pretty well.  Even if Forte plays, look for a steady dose of Langford.”"

Seems the past couple of years were supposed to be the coming out party for Chicago, but no such luck. Similar to the Rams, your offense stalls out when needed most. What is Chicago doing to cope?

"“We drink a lot. Just kidding. Marc Trestman was brought in to turn around the offense and that turned out to be a collassal disaster. Trestman lost the locker room and the team crumbled.  John Fox was brought in and he’s got the team going in the right direction. I love the coaching staff he’s assembled – the aforementioned Gase and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio are really getting the most out of a talent-starved roster.”"

The Rams expect their defense to shape back into form this Sunday with the return of Robert Quinn and T.J. McDonald. When healthy, they are a top 5 defense. What’s the Bears strategy for attacking them?

"“The Bears could have a rough day on Sunday.  Their top wide receiver Alshon Jeffery showed up on the injury report with a groin injury.  If Jeffery can’t go, it’s going to be a long day at the office for the Bears.  Martellus Bennett is a threat to catch some balls down the seam from the tight end position.  I’m most concenred with the Rams pass rush against Cutler and a patch-work offensive line. “"

Finally, how do you see this one shaking out. What’s your final prediction for the game?

"“I think Gurley will be tough to slow down and expect Tavon Austin to give the Bears fits on offense and in the return game.  The Bears offense can’t keep pace and fades down the stretch. Rams 27, Bears 19”"