CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Bears take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Kickoff is set for noon at Bank of America Stadium, and the game can be heard on WBBM Newsradio 780. Here are Jeff Joniak's keys to the game.
OFFENSE
After being cooped up the last two games, the Bears rushing attack may experience the exhilaration of being unencumbered. Carolina is permitting 5.38 yards-per carry, which is 30th in the league. The Panthers run defense is not as suffocating as the Bears experienced against the Colts and Buccaneers.
Carolina is also giving up 5.3 yards rushing on first down and 8.7 yards on third down. This is an opportunity David Montgomery and the guys up front must take advantage of Sunday.
This is the third start for Nick Foles and an important one in the context of the overall offense. To curb the building frustration with a lack of execution and therefore a lack of consistency, rhythm, and point production, the offense needs to percolate.
Foles is connecting with established veterans Allen Robinson and Jimmy Graham, but the incorporation of Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Cole Kmet would open up the play book and effect change vertically and horizontally. Foles must protect the ball. Carolina has strip sacks in three straight games, and he has thrown interceptions in three straight games.
To get there, the Bears must succeed on first down, stay in second and third and manageable, and find a way to take advantage of the league's 30th ranked third down defense. Keep the offense on the field and do not settle for field goals against this fast and feisty unit.
DEFENSE
The best unit on the field is the Bears defense, and it must dominate. It starts with consistently good tackling on running back Mike Davis, and continues on to receivers Robbie Anderson and D.J. Moore. This trio is piling up the yards after contact and after the catch.
On third down, the Bears must beware of speedy Curtis Samuel. During Carolina's three-game winning streak the former Ohio State WR/RB leads the NFL with eight third down receptions for 112 yards. Samuel has caught all 11 of his third down targets this season and
Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is very comfortable in the system run by 30-year old coordinator Joe Brady. He gets rid of the ball quickly pecking away in the intermediate zones, using the screen and check down game, and letting his playmakers create magic after the catch. Somehow, the Bears must derail this rhythm.
Bridgewater has not been sacked in two games. He gets rid of it on average in 2.55 seconds according to NextGenStats. On the snaps he holds on to it too long, the pass rush must be fierce and contained. Too many clean pockets, will allow him to work the scheme, and contribute to what is currently the third best time of possession offense in the league.
With a player like safety Eddie Jackson starving for big plays, pressure needs to create opportunities for turnovers and there can be no swings and misses.
SPECIAL TEAMS
It is simply fascinating to watch Patterson on kickoff returns. He is thriving with the green light, no matter the depth of kick. He is going to break one for six, and near his home town of Rock Hill, South Carolina just over the border from Charlotte, this has the feel for a big day from Patterson. However, Carolina ranks third in fewest kick return yards allowed.
Bears kicker Cairo Santos is coming off an important game winning kick to beat Tom Brady, and he needs to continue to convert given the Bears struggles to score points. Every one matters right now.
Carolina's 2nd year booter Joey Slye is off to a great start with the third most field goals made this season converting 13 of his 14 attempts. He is fourth in the 24 of his 28 kickoffs have been touchbacks. He is a weapon right now for the Panthers.
INTANGIBLES
While the Bears are the highest scoring fourth quarter team in the NFL, yet they are still shutout in the third quarter and struggling to score in the first quarter. The worst thing that could happen is they start pressing, which could lead to unforced errors and other frustrations. That's why Nick Foles has to continue to calm the chaos and lead this team.
