(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Bears (5-3) play the Tennessee Titans (5-2) on Sunday. Here are Jeff Joniak's Keys to the Game.
OFFENSE
With three starters out, two on injured reserve, and two backups unable to play, the Bears will rely on young players filling new roles. They will be prepared to handle what is likely a tapered game plan to fit their skill sets, while still operating at an efficient level against the Titans.
This is a huge moment for veteran quarterback Nick Foles. His leadership will come in handy to suppress the anxiety that could crop up at times with the offensive line. Look for Foles to calm the chaos.
Quick decision-making to ease the burden on the blockers and a commitment to the run might be the best way to neutralize what is likely going to be an aggressive attack by the Titans maligned defense. They will want to test the Bears' line of scrimmage searching for points of entry.
The Titans are struggling significantly on third down. Opponents are converting nearly 62% of third-down snaps, by far the most in the league. It has led to longer drives, a time of possession advantage and some frustration. The Titans have only two third-down sacks and are permitting 5.2 yards-per-carry on third-down runs, and six passing touchdowns.
The Bears need to be sure-handed this week. The Titans make plays on the ball, breaking up a league-best 44 passes, including nine interceptions and 12 overall takeaways. The offense cannot afford to give the Titans any extra possessions.
DEFENSE
Facing a run dominant offense, the Bears' entire defense is tasked with finding a way to slow the freight train that is Derrick Henry. Armed with sprinter speed carrying 250 pounds, Henry is built to punish. He's a tank. If he gets the edge, he turns his power into speed.
Henry does a lot of damage against loaded fronts, which opens up the play action passing game of Ryan Tannehill. The one-two punch creates an offense ranked in the top ten in at least 22 different categories and in the top five of at least 12 different categories.
Tackling Henry requires multiple hats as Bears safety Tashaun Gipson suggested this week. The bigger issue is that Henry challenges defenders' willingness to tackle him for 60 minutes. The fourth quarter is Henry's best quarter, with him averaging 7.1 yards-per carry and a league-high 270 yards and three touchdowns.
While Tannehill is tough in the pocket, utilizing a group of big receivers and tight ends, the Bears must get him out of rhythm and off-schedule. His efficiency overall is consistent with a quarterback rating over 100 in nearly every formation the Titans use. He makes things happen in the middle of the field with a yards-per-pass attempt that reaches just over 12.0 yards/attempt.
Tannehill has only been sacked eight times and has thrown only three interceptions. The Bears have to find a way to get them off the field and limit possession time.
In the Titans' two losses to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, they had back-to-back season lows in owning the clock, but twice in the last three games they have run the ball for more than 200 yards.
SPECIAL TEAMS
An opportunity exists for the Bears' special teams unit to make something happen against the Titans. One of their best players is punter Brett Kern, but he is out with a wrist injury. They have a new long snapper. And kicker Stephen Gostkowski has missed seven field goals and two extra points in seven games. The Bears have to deepen that pain for the Titans.
With the Bears offense dealing with offensive line changes and continuing struggles to play a complete game, some complementary assistance as regards field position, a forced turnover, or a big return may create some fire.
INTANGIBLES
This is a great moment for the Bears to conquer their concerns offensively, unleash a rugged, physically aggressive defense, and a big play special teams performance to pull together a three-phase attack that underscores just how resilient the 2020 Bears are, given the challenges of the week.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bears on WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9 FM. Follow him on Twitter at @JeffJoniak.
