Here are Jeff Joniak's keys to the game for the matchup between the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans this Sunday.
OFFENSE
Matt Nagy’s optimism about signs of a growing identity, offensively, needs to be confirmed with a complete performance against the Houston Texans. Statistically, the Texans are ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every significant category, but they do pressure the quarterback.
Three-time defensive player of the year J.J. Watt still effects the game in a number of different ways with enough burst to finish, enough explosiveness to lead the league in batted balls and enough instincts to take some liberties and move around the defensive front. The Bears must prevent him from wrecking a series and know exactly where he’s at and what his plan is.
Another active defender in the front seven is Jacob Martin, a third-year pro out of Temple. He is an athletic, active, and relentless pass rusher, who can be disruptive.
This will be the third consecutive game with the same starting five up front for the Bears, and they hope that consistency continues to build momentum for the run game. The Texans are giving up north of 150 yards rushing per game, which ranks 31st in the league. If all goes well, this could be a big game for Bears running back David Montgomery.
Third down has been a nightmare for the Bears this season, and avoiding as many third down situations as possible will be key against the Texans. The Bears have gained the fewest third down yards in the league, have been sacked 13 times, and remain last in the league in conversion percentage. Houston ranks 27th in conversion percentage and second worst in yards allowed on third down, while also giving up 7.3 yards a carry on third down.
DEFENSE
One of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the league is the next challenge for a Bears defense that deteriorated the last two weeks. Houston’s Deshaun Watson is a slick runner who is brilliant at avoiding pressure, slipping tackles, and improvisational mastery.
Watson tends to hold on to the ball, but in order to get to him and finish a tackle, defenders must maintain gap integrity at all times because an open gap is a big play for Watson who is flourishing in the RPO (Run-Pass Option) game. Discipline and sure tackling will be the most important key of the game for the Bears defense.
The Texans rarely turn the ball over, so the anticipation of a big takeaway game is unlikely. Watson has thrown six interceptions, and the Texans have lost only six fumbles.
The Bears have significant talent defensively and that talent needs to collectively dig in and start making some big plays. Whether it is a pass rush that gets home, or a big tackle-for-loss, or tighter coverage on receivers , or a jarring hit, the unit needs to play with attitude and aggressiveness.
The Bears' secondary will not face the kind of collective speed that keeps a player on edge without speedster Will Fuller, the crafty Randall Cobb, or recently released Kenny Stills. However, last week against the Colts, Watson threw open 3rd year receiver Keke Coutee (8-141) and second year receiver Chad Hansen (5-101) and moved the ball against a very good defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Whoever the Bears decide to use to field punts must secure the ball. Tarik Cohen, Ted Ginn, Dwayne Harris, Anthony Miller and DeAndre Carter have all taken their turns in the first 13 games. December at Soldier Field is no picnic, with a little wind expected off the lake and some colder temperatures.
In the situation the Bears are in, one mistake compounds problems, so no special teams turnovers are critically important.
The Texans have blocked a couple of kicks this season, including a punt and a field goal attempt, so the blocking up front needs to be sound for kicker Cairo Santos and punter Patrick O’Donnell.
INTANGIBLES
Which team sets the tone showing the desire to salvage what’s left of the season will gain the early edge. Starting fast and finishing strong is the preferred path to victory.
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