CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Bears take on the New York Giants on Sunday at Soldier Field. Our pre-game coverage begins at 9:00 a.m. on WBBM Newsradio 780. Here are Jeff Joniak's keys to the game.
Offense
· Andy Dalton gets what may be his final opportunity to put a stamp on his 2021 season with the start against the New York Giants. In six games, he’s thrown six touchdowns, and six interceptions, but has battled three injuries including a broken left hand, and a case of Covid-19. In the bitter cold/wind/snow, he will have an outstanding opportunity to move the ball against a Giants defense that is 26th against the run, 26th in first downs allowed, and t24th in passing touchdowns allowed.
· It’s been a season long slump on third down for the Bears offense, ranked 30th and at under 35 percent conversion rate.
Converting against the Giants and their defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, will include prepping for last second disguise from the back seven, assignment assurance, and the right protection calls.
· Winning on the line of scrimmage will require a “hard hat” day at the office for the Bears offensive line. The Giants strength is held in a group of skilled and physical defenders on the line of scrimmage. The 3-4 defensive ends , Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams are dominant run defenders and pass rushers respectively.
· As indicated the Giants have given up plenty of rushing yards, but where they are not as easy to run on inside, as they are outside the tackles, giving up better 5-to-6 yards-per-carry. Conditions could be right for the Bears to lean into their run game as much as possible.
· No running back in the league over the last five weeks has more targets, and more catches than David Montgomery, a new wrinkle in the Bears ability to move the football and something to consider as well against the Giants.
· The expected return of WR Allen Robinson and gadget talent Jakeem Grant gives Dalton multiple options at every position.
Defense
· A unit that has played a high number of players in 2021, may be getting Akiem Hicks back in the home finale. His violent presence, pocket-pushing ability, and help against the run will prove valuable. At cornerback, Jaylon Johnson expects to return, and ditto starting safety Tashaun Gipson.
· Given the expected conditions, and the probability Giants head coach Joe Judge will use both veteran QB Mike Glennon and young back up Jake Fromm, stopping the run will be important. It has been a struggle for the Giants to get anything moving offensively, and surprisingly that includes the ground game.
· Saquon Barkley tore his right ACL at Soldier Field in week two of 2020, and has not been the same since. Also battling an ankle injury, Barkley and the Giants are averaging less than 100 yards rushing/game, and ranked 27th in the league.
· While equipped with dynamic and explosive talent, Barkley has not gained a lot of traction this season. The scouting report on him is to make sure you stop him on the edges, because he can hurt a defense in the pass game as well, and he does have a 50+yard touchdown catch this season.
· The Giants are hurting at wide receiver including the absence of their first round pick Kadarius Toney, while their number one weapon Kenny Golladay has yet to score a touchdown this season while gaining less than 500-yards. The Bears will do well to make this team one dimensional on Sunday.
· The Giants average only 16.5 points/game, and about 11.0 points/game under coordinator Freddie Kitchens, who replaced the dismissed Jason Garrett six games ago. Nothing has changed, and the Giants are point challenged.
Special Teams
· Progressively throughout the season, the Bears special teams unit has improved. Credit coordinator Chris Tabor for building week-to-week despite many changes in personnel. The unit rarely gets flagged for fouls, Jakeem Grant has made a difference, and rookie Khalil Herbert has been a solid kick returner. The conditions will challenge all kicks and punts. The Bears have to play sound and not create enviable field position for a struggling Giants offense.
Intangibles
· Players continue to talk about how they’ve made a “pact” with each other to finish the season strong. They look at this game against the Giants as an opportunity for a strong finish and individual growth.
· The thrill of a potential record setting sack by OLB Robert Quinn is something every player on the team respects and are looking forward to seeing become a reality. It could provide a little extra juice.
Related
