Barstool Sports

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes the 2012 version of the Chicago Bears’ defense might be better than the one he coached in 2006 as the team’ s defensive coordinator. Bears Boast Ferocious D The Bears have more combined forced fumbles, sacks and interceptions than any other team this season despite already having their bye week. Combined forced fumbles, sacks and interceptions, this season Team FF/Sack/INT Bears 48 Texans 40 Giants 40 Cardinals 38 Patriots 38 — ESPN Stats & Information In reviewing tape for Carolina’s upcoming matchup with the Bears, Rivera — who played nine years for the club, winning a Super Bowl in 1985 — said he’s been entertained by the way the defense has performed against common opponents. “It’s an exciting bunch to watch,” Rivera said. “As you watch these guys, you watch a team that is very opportunistic. They go out and attack the ball, and they get the football. Almost reminiscent of 2006, I think this group could be better. I really do.”

Why? “The things they do and the way they play is outstanding. I think it all starts with the two linebackers (Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs) and Charles Tillman, three guys who have been around a long time that understand how to play that way,” Rivera said. “In fact, throw Israel Idonije in that mix as well. They’ve been doing it a long time. And the rest of the guys pick up off their lead.” Rivera said what sets Chicago’s current defense apart from the one he led in 2006 is the front four, headlined by Henry Melton, Stephen Paea, Julius Peppers and Idonije. Rivera also sees similarities between Chicago’s current group and the one he played on in ’85.

So is Ron Rivera essentially saying he’s fucked on Sunday? Sort of get that feeling. Maybe that’s what Cam Newton was saying when he said his locker room has bad vibes, maybe he was talking about his coach comparing their opponents to all time great defenses and saying how much fun it is to watch the Bears D.

Either way I hate the comparison game. It’s so fucking stupid. Do we have a better line than 06? Yeah, because Julius Peppers is on it, that alone makes it better. But what if Tommy Harris doesn’t get hurt in 2006? Dude was beast mode before his injury. Or what if Mike Brown doesn’t get hurt around the same time in 2006? It’s just a dumb game that makes no sense. And to tell you the truth, none of it matters. Because its Week 8. And I know I wrote a blog on Tuesday saying the Bears are contenders, and I truly think they are, but that also is the post victory glow. Every week goes the exact same way for me in the NFL. After a win we’re unstoppable for about a day and a half. Then you start looking at the schedule. Then you realize, hey the Panthers fucking suck but remember when Cam Newton LIT UP our secondary last year as a  rookie at Soldier Field. Then you start telling yourself this game is going to be significantly more difficult than I originally thought.

So that’s where I’m at right now. Does being worried about the Panthers on Sunday make any sense? Hell no. You couldn’t find two teams going in more opposite directions than the Bears and Panthers. Even if Cutler is hurt we should be able to pound the ball and play D. But that’s what happens in the NFL. Any Given Sunday. The schedule means nothing. This isn’t NCAA. Every team is good. The margin between the best and worst team is thin at best.

One things for sure, we can all rest easy knowing that as much as the world hates our quarterback, at least he doesn’t dress like a dickhead.

PS - Do these whiskers make my neck look fat?