CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Bears take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 7:20 p.m. from Soldier Field, and the game can be heard on WBBM Newsradio 780. Here are Jeff Joniak's keys to the game.
OFFENSE
Expect another gritty game in the trenches, for a Bears team that feels it is equipped to play in that type of game. It didn't work out that way against the Colts, and the Bucs defensive front is formidable.
Decoding the Tampa Bay pressure package and protecting Bears quarterback Nick Foles requires awareness, and the right call. Four of the Buccaneers 14 sacks have come from starting safeties Jordan Whitehead and rookie Antoine Winfield. In other words, Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles likes to bring the heat.
The best way to beat the blitz is to run the ball with success, starting with first down. The Bears are 8th in the league averaging 4.69 yards/carry running the ball, but the Buccaneers allow just a league best 2.70 yards rushing on first down.
Overall, it has been tough to run on the Bucs over the last 20 games dating to last season ranking number one at 3.15 yards/carry and under 72 yards/game. The Bears still have to be persistent and consistent about running the ball.
It would also be useful to get the screen game working to take some of the steam out of the Tampa pass rush and slow it down a tick. The Bears have done pretty well beating the blitz with 201 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and only one sack.
In terms of matchups, the Bears have to block well at tackle against edge rushers Shaq Barrett and Jason-Pierre Paul, be sturdy inside against rising star nose tackle Vita Vea and be ready for the overall excellence of inside linebackers Lavonte David and Devin White.
There will be opportunities if the protection holds to work the ball down the field in the passing game against an aggressive, young secondary. The Bucs are 26th in yards after the catch permitted representing half of the passing yards.
DEFENSE
Improvement in stopping the run came last week against the Colts, and it needs to continue against the Buccaneers. They rank near the bottom of the rankings running the ball, but Ronald Jones II bumped over 100-yards last Sunday against the Chargers.
Roquan Smith had a terrific game against the Colts and is having an outstanding season. The Bears need to play at a high level down the middle, starting with three players: Defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, Smith at the linebacker level, and Eddie Jackson at safety. Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady will beat you with his experience, his processor, and his arm and pick away at a weakness until it bleeds.
The Bears need some drive stoppers: Forcing fouls, excelling on first down, creating pressure so Brady doesn't have time to just sit there and pick the secondary apart. The Bucs are tied for the league lead with nine dropped passes, which also is a drive stopper.
Three-time Pro Bowler, Mike Evans is a matchup nightmare for any cornerback, and extremely talented at the back shoulder fade. Either Kyle Fuller or Jaylon Jackson, both allowing less than 43% target completion rate, will have to be physical and be in the best position to make plays on the ball.
Barrington High School product Scottie Miller is an outstanding slot receiver, and already has four of Brady's 12(25+ yard) completions and has the most passing yards and highest average per catch. Buster Skrine will have an important role tonight defending the inside slot.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Until the Bears offense starts to perk up and score points, there is very little margin for error in the other two phases, including special teams. Over the last 2 games, the unit has committed too many penalties and mental mistakes costing field position and points.
Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor feels Tampa's special teams unit is very good, physical, and fast. The Bears have committed, the most special teams penalties and for the most yardage. They have to clean it up and play a clean game tonight.
INTANGIBLES
Coaches on both teams were in hurry up mode with what amounted to a 100-hour planning mission. Many challenges present beginning with who comes to play with the best energy and which team will sustain that energy over the course of the game with no fans in the stands for a prime time game with one of the greatest players in NFL history sharing the field.
