Bears vs. 49ers predictions: The Thomas Brown era begins

Out with the H.I.T.S. Principle, in with “coachability, accountability, dependability”.

That’s what Thomas Brown preached in his first press conference as interim head coach of the Chicago Bears. It’s a breath of fresh air from the head honcho in Chicago, especially when Matt Eberflus struggled to take responsibility for the team’s shortcomings and failures over his 14-32 tenure.

It’s also somewhat of a stark contrast to ex-offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s philosophy and eventual downfall from being “too nice” according to members of the offense.

So, should we expect to see an entirely overhauled operation on Sunday in San Francisco? Probably not. As Brown said when he was promoted to offensive coordinator ahead of Week 11, “When it comes to where we are in the season, you can’t reinvent the wheel.”

But Brown has already made a notable change in an effort to rectify an issue that has plagued the Bears all season; interim offensive coordinator Chris Beatty has been charged with helping Brown with clock/game management.

“Obviously we had some issues with that, so we’re going to try to streamline that to make that a little less hectic on the headset,” Beatty said Thursday. “[It will be] more a couple of heads getting together before everything happens as opposed to as it happens.”

After all, this is a five-game audition for Brown to get the permanent head coaching gig, either in Chicago or elsewhere. Recognizing and working to correct some of the team’s shortcomings isn’t reinventing the wheel, but proper practice for any head coach.

So, Sunday is the first test for Brown, but it’s also a chance for the interim to do something Eberflus couldn’t do in his two-plus years with the Bears – win on the road on a Sunday.

Adam Hoge (6-6)

I’m a big believer in the new-coach bump and this game looks a lot different than it did at the start of the season. The Bears’ running back situation is concerning, but they aren’t reeling on the injury front like the 49ers. Caleb Williams has done enough the last three weeks to beat three good teams despite the defense looking shaky. If Thomas Brown can give the Bears a boost on the coaching front, they should win this game.

BEars 24, 49ers 20

• Adam Hoge’s Bears Things: Thomas Brown is winning press conferences — now he has to win games

Nicholas Moreano (7-5)

I picked the Bears last week against Detroit, so I feel like I have to ride with Chicago one more time. This is a 49ers team that has been outscored 73-20 in the last two games and has given up 389 total yards rushing to the Packers and Bills. Also, San Francisco is ranked 31st in red zone defense, allowing touchdowns on 70.7% of opponents’ red zone drives. It feels like this 49ers team has lost their identity in their current three-game losing streak.

Thomas Brown is looking to implement his own identity in his first game as the interim head coach. I think Caleb Williams continues to play well by protecting the ball and creating explosive plays. With Eric Washington taking over the defense, I think we see more creativity and some different blitz looks. The six-game losing streak ends on Sunday.

Bears 24, 49ers 20

• Nicholas Moreano’s Film Review: Keenan Allen, Gervon Dexter, Kyler Gordon detail impact plays against Lions

Mark Carman (9-3)

The money is on the Bears. Per Carm research (thespread.com), 75% of the public likes the Bears plus the points. Do I smell a 49er 6-point win at home against the Thomas Brown Bears? Unfortunately, I do.

49ers 26, Bears 20

P.S. It was still mostly your fault, Matt Eberflus.

Greg Braggs Jr. (7-5)

You saw the offense get a boost after the firing of Shane Waldron. I expect to see a similar boost from the whole team with the firing of Matt Eberflus. For the players, this is a game you cannot lay an egg in after everything that was said. For Thomas Brown, this is the biggest opportunity of his coaching career thus far and I think the players see that and will have his back.

Bears 24, 49ers 20

Patrick Norton (6-6)

I’m giddy to see what Thomas Brown brings to the table for the Chicago Bears as interim head coach. However, I’m a bit worried about this week’s injury report. Sure, DJ Moore and D’Andre Swift will probably be active on Sunday despite being questionable. But Roschon Johnson is out for the second week in a row with a concussion. That leaves Travis Homer as the next back up should Swift’s quad flare up in San Francisco.

I think Chicago will play hard for Brown, and I don’t think this ends with some Flusian faux pas, but in San Francisco after a long, dramatic week in Chicago? Brock Purdy, Isaac Guerendo and the 49ers get the job done at home.

49ers 27, Bears 22

Corey Wootton (8-4)

The Bears will come out ready to play after firing Eberflus. The 49ers have struggled and will be without their two top players Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams.

Bears 27, 49ers 20

Stephen Nicholas (7-5)

Every part of me wants to pick the Bears to win in Thomas Brown’s first game as head coach. Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason and Trent Williams are out. Nick Bosa is doubtful. And yet, I’m taking the 49ers. It’s a hard team to move the ball through the air against, but the 49ers are tied for the second-most TDs allowed to opposing RBs. If D’Andre Swift doesn’t play, it’s Travis Homer’s backfield. That’s hardly inspiring…

49ers 24, Bears 17

Kevin Kaduk (7-5)

Good vibes only? Thomas Brown and his new charges head west coming off a mini-bye to face the only NFC team that can compete in the disappointment department. Both teams are also dealing with a lengthy injury report and making a call on this one seems like a coin flip.  Give the extra point to the Bears as they come out for the first game free of the Eberflus last-minute chokehold.

Bears 23, 49ers 22

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