(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Bears (2-2) face the Las Vegas Raiders (3-1) on Sunday. WBBM Newsradio pregame coverage begins at noon.
OFFENSE
--Establishing a rhythm with rookie quarterback Justin Fields and getting off to a quick, successful start is one of the biggest keys of the game.
--Elevating Fields to QB1 creates a pathway to development for who the Bears feel is their franchise quarterback for the future, but the future is now against the Raiders.
--Rookie quarterbacks were sacked 22 times in four weeks on blitzes alone, including a league-high tying five times of Fields. It will be interesting to see what Raiders defensive coordinator Gus Bradley sends at the Ohio State alum.
--Bradley calls very few blitzes and banks on his pass rush getting home with four, but that doesn’t mean he won’t test the protection with extra attackers.
--No matter what, the communication and protection plan must be on point in a raucous Allegiant Stadium, where silent counts will again be the norm.
--The Bears feel they started on the road to an identity against the Lions, and they hope to pick up where they left off even without injured RB David Montgomery. Running the ball with Damien Williams and rookie Khalil Herbert behind an offensive line that was asked to be THE REASON for victory last week, will be asked to handle a very good Raiders front. The Bears must protect against pass rushers Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue.
--Getting Fields on the edges with some designed runs and getting him on the move, play-action, and utilizing the tight ends against the Vegas three-deep zone should open some passing windows in all areas of the field.
--The Raiders are banged up in the secondary, offering a temptation to test their depth.
DEFENSE
--Khalil Mack anticipates being on the field in Vegas against his former team. It will be an emotional and engine-revving experience to play in front of Raider nation, where he started and starred before the trade to the Bears.
--In concert with Robert Quinn and the push inside from a rotation of quality linemen, the Bears want to muddy the pocket for Vegas QB Derek Carr.
--Keeping Carr in the pocket, but getting in his business early and often, creates opportunities for negative plays, turnovers, and a way to keep the ball out of the hands of speedy receiver Henry Ruggs and outstanding tight end Darren Waller.
--Carr shows a propensity to fumble, and getting hands in his face lead to tipped balls. The pressure must be consistent and the run defense outstanding to force a sputtering offense.
--There is a lot to defend with the Raiders offense, but they are having some issues up front, and the Bears must continue to frustrate with pressure of all kinds.
--Waller and outstanding slot receiver Hunter Renfrow are a handful. Waller has emerged as an elite threat all over the field, while Renfrow’s elite route-running will challenge corners, and nickel defender Duke Shelley.
--Stopping Josh Jacobs will mean getting to him before he gets a head of steam in the run game. He is still working his way back from injury but is a dual threat the Raiders can lean on to move the chains.
SPECIAL TEAMS
--Winning every bit of field position possible will aid the Bears' bid to pull the road upset. Traditionally, the Raiders field one of the best special teams units in the NFL, and this season is no exception.
--Their entire kicking, punting and snapping operation is very good, and Renfrow is an outstanding and sure-handed punt returner who can make things happen if he’s not brought down on first contact.
--The Bears introduce a new return specialist this week more than likely after the trade for Jakeem Grant from Miami. While he’s had some ball security issues of late, he is a threat at all times to make a big play, with five career return touchdowns and speed that commands respect from coverage units.
INTANGIBLES
--I am sticking with my key intangible from last week, and that is “playing smart and playing physical. Both attributes are necessary to beat the Raiders Sunday.
--Limiting mental mistakes and getting off to a great start to help ease the burden on a rookie quarterback on the road is essential.
--So is preventing damaging big plays and sudden change. So, no turnovers, no dumb penalties, and no big touchdown plays because of a missed assignment or confusing communication.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play announcer for the Bears broadcasts on WBBM Newsradio 780. Follow him on Twitter here: @JeffJoniak.
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