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    Carolina Panthers Vs. Chicago Bears 2012 NFL Week Eight: A Fan's Prediction

    By | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Mon, Oct 22, 2012 11:53 PM EDT

    The Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears face off in week eight NFL action and the Panthers can't wait to get back on the field. General Manager Marty Hurney was fired on Monday, October 22, 2012 and the Panthers are in dire need of a distraction. As a huge Carolina Panthers fan, I will be glad to see them back in action rather than all over the news as the latest franchise that is being torn down. Hurney does not deserve all the blame in my view, but he certainly was part of the problem. The Chicago Bears, however, are ready for action for different reasons. They are on a four game winning streak and are in contention for being the best team in football. Though it seems rather obvious, here is a look at how I see this game shaking down.

    A nasty defense is back in Chicago

    The Chicago Bears defense is showing that they are a force to be reckoned with once again. You don't hold an explosive team like the Detroit Lions down like they did on Monday Night Football without having some serious defensive talent. The Panthers have been struggling to run the football consistently anyway, so the Bears are built to give them fits. It is going to be interesting to see if the Panthers will turn Cam Newton loose a little bit. It seems like they have kept him under wraps a little thus far. Maybe it is simply that he is struggling, but it is hard to say for sure.

    Will the Panthers be able to focus?

    Beating the Bears at home in the best of circumstances is a tough order. How hard will it be with the team being shook up and on a losing streak? The Panthers have enough talent to pull it off, but it would take the perfect game. On the bright side, the defense looked pretty good against the Cowboys in week seven. Perhaps they can get Cutler to have a turnover fest like the old days.

    My prediction

    The Carolina Panthers will play better than expected mostly because they have nothing to lose at this point. The Bears will be up to the task, however, and will keep the Panthers on their heels all day. Special teams and turnovers will win the game for the Chicago Bears in my opinion. It will be a close game, but it will be a decided victory for the Chicago Bears.

    *Southern is a huge Carolina Panthers fan that is convinced that he will see a Super Bowl Trophy in Charlotte within five years.

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