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San Francisco 49ers: Pass-rush is the key to good start in Week 1

By Jeremy Wohlfart

Oct 31, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) makes a catch against Chicago Bears defensive back DeAndre Houston-Carson (36) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) makes a catch against Chicago Bears defensive back DeAndre Houston-Carson (36) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Francisco 49ers have to be on their toes in Week 1 against the  cellar-dweller Chicago Bears

The San Francisco 49ers open their season at Chicago to take on the Bears, in a fixture that on paper at least should be a good way for the team to get off to a winning start.

Chicago are considered one of the weaker teams in the NFC with quarterback Justin Fields trying to prop up a weak offense, while the 49ers are generally considered a much stronger team with a talented roster grouped around their own young quarterback in Trey Lance.

There’s been some attempts to light a fire under the Chicago Bears in this game with Bears receiver Darnell Moody saying that Fields wants to make the 49ers “pay” for passing on him in favor of Lance in the draft.

Fields himself has poured some cold water on this, but there’s certainly going to be some natural intrigue in any matchup featuring two of the quarterbacks from the 2021 bumper crop.

The biggest matchup advantage the 49ers have in this game will be in the trenches, with the much vaunted San Francisco defensive front licking their lips at the chance to take on Chicago’s blockers.

The Bears have arguably the worst offensive line in the NFL, and EDGE Nick Bosa in particular must be licking his lips as he’ll primarily lineup against fifth-round rookie Braxton Jones at left tackle.

It doesn’t look much better across the line either with a mixture of journeymen and young unknowns starting on the line according to their depth chart. Left guard Cody Whitehair is a former Pro Bowler and a solid player, but he’ll be hoping for some support.

While it isn’t out of the question the Bears offensive line can perform above expectations, they still would need to try to contain an defensive line headed by Bosa and defensive tackle Arik Armstead. 

Next. NFL Power Rankings: 49ers’ fortunes rely on Trey Lance’s readiness. dark

If the 49ers can make Fields run for his life constantly and remain unsettled, they’ll have the game well on their terms. Even mediocre teams can be hard to beat on the road, but if they win the trenches and overwhelm the Bears offense, the 49ers can get the season off to a winning start.