Bears vs. 49ers: Reasons for optimism in Week 14 matchup

The Chicago Bears (4-8) will begin the Thomas Brown era on the road in San Francisco when they visit the 49ers (5-7), in a battle of two teams who have underperformed their high expectations this season. As the teams begin to see their season wind down, there's emphasis on playing with pride, for the Bears, under new interim head coach Thomas Brown, and for the 49ers, to see if they can find a miracle way into the playoffs.

For Chicago, finding their identity over the course of the final five games will be imperative, as on paper they're far better than the team that has lost six straight games. The injury bug has hampered the 49ers all season, who missed star running back Christian McCaffrey for the first eight games of the season, and he is now lost for the season after suffering a PCL injury in last Sunday's loss to Buffalo.

Both of these teams are nowhere near where they'd like to be this season, but with one finding a rejuvenated energy to themselves with a coaching change, here are three reasons for optimism for the Bears this weekend.

1. Caleb Williams

Talking about a turnaround and growth in his development, quarterback Caleb Williams has completely changed the narrative of his rookie season. Yes, the Bears are losers of six straight games, but Williams has not thrown an interception in those six games, and set the NFL rookie record for most pass attempts without throwing an interception. The 49ers defense will be up for the task of facing Williams and looking to get him to commit mistakes, but as the season continues to progress, Williams continues to look the part of a franchise quarterback, and nearly willed the team on his own to a victory over the Lions on Thanksgiving.

2. 49ers injuries

The 49ers season has already been derailed by injuries, specifically to superstar running back Christian McCaffrey, but he's not the only one. Not only did they lose McCaffrey for the remainder of the regular season as he was placed on injured reserve, but they also lost his top backup, Jordan Mason, also placed on injured reserve following the loss to Buffalo. Include those two names on top of their second-top receiver in Brandon Aiyuk being out for the year with a torn ACL, and quarterback Brock Purdy has lost plenty of weapons this season. The Bears may not be facing them at full strength, and that should be very much helpful for this matchup.

3. Thomas Brown

For the same reason that Brown was listed on the caution for concern list, is the same reason why he's listed on the reason for optimism. Yes, it will be his first time coaching and there is plenty of reasons to be nervous for it, but the energy and tone around the Bears has changed tremendously in the very short few days that he has been interim head coach. More than just bringing the team together, Brown is auditioning for the permanent role as head coach in Chicago, and he'll have quite the opening statement if he can bring the team to victory over San Francisco.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. 49ers: Reasons for optimism in Week 14 matchup