With you on both accounts. I also think:
a) The Cam Newton circle jerk is at least in part due his week one performance greatly exceeding the bar he set (lowered) with his preseason play. It's the media's fault for manufacturing the wave, or at least being reactionary. Nothing new. But basically Newton looked rough through most of his preseason games, with occasional flashes of athletic prowess and potential. That makes the 400+ yard outing against Carolina seem better than it was (and it was pretty damn good). I still think he'll have a tough time with Green Bay's defense, and I expect us to beat'em. But I'll also wager that at least a few times we'll shake our head and think, "Damn, this kid has some special talent."
b) With regard to the Bears, I think they're a good team. The win against Atlanta was impressive and shows what they're capable of when everything goes their way (not that they didn't earn it). They have a tough defense, their special teams always makes plays, and we have to remember that Cutler has another year in an intricate offense. Their o-line still blows and Cutler will probably still make enough dumbshit throws to keep him from elite status -- though physically he has elite "talent". Jermichael can tear that D up, though, so let's hope he can stay healthy. Finally, and I heard this from a Bears fan: Chicago was extremely healthy last year. They didn't battle the injury bug (or in Green Bay's case, plague). I don't know how equipped they are to deal the loss of starters. That means they may have to get lucky again. We'll see.
Originally Posted by: evad04