The 2-5 Chicago Bears host the 2-6 San Diego Chargers for Week 9 of Monday Night Football. Both teams have had a below level performance up to this point in the season. The Bears are in the middle of a rebuilding season, and have faced some injuries to important players on their team. Star running back Matt Forte is out due to a MCL injury, so rookie Jeremy Langford will be starting in the backfield.
The Chargers, on the other hand, were really expected to have a good season and be a playoff team this year. However injuries also have hindered the team’s success. Last week wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered a lacerated kidney, and that ended his season. Allen was in the midst of a career year, on pace for 134 catches and 1,450 yards. Despite the team’s struggles, quarterback Phillip Rivers has had and incredible year throwing for 2,754 passing yards through eight games. He’s on pace for 5,508 passing yards for the season. The single season record is held by Peyton Manning, who threw for 5,477 yards in 2013. Although the passing game is really strong the San Diego running game has not been consistent; it ranks 29th in the NFL averaging just 86.4 yards a game.
The Bears have one of the worst defenses in the NFL ranking 29th in rushing yards allowed per game. However, their passing defense has been a lot better than expected, giving up the fourth fewest passing yards per game.
The game will air on ESPN Gainesville/95.3 FM starting at 8 p.m.