Bears Blitz

Published by Bryan Dietzler on November 19, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The red hot Chicago Bears, coming off of a big 37-13 win over division rival Detroit, will host the San Diego Chargers, who are coming off of a 24-17 loss at the hands of the Oakland Raiders. 

The Bears are 6-3 coming into this game, while the Chargers are 4-5.

The Bears have won four games in a row, and are looking very good heading into this game.  The Chargers have the ability to score a lot of points, and that means that the Bears’ defense has to be on the ball in this game. 

A game plan similar to what they had against the Lions would be a good one here.

So how can the Bears win?  Can the Bears win?  Is this a trap game for the Bears?

Let’s find out as we preview the Bears versus the Chargers game at Soldier Field this Sunday.

When the Bears have the Ball

The Bears will be without guard Chris Williams for the rest of the season, which means that they will have to reply upon Edwin Williams to play the position in his absence.  Edwin had a pretty good game in the second half against the Lions, and should be able to hold his own with Williams gone.

Another line combination could spell some problems for the Bears, but they have been able to work through these issues so there may not be any problems.

The Chargers have a pretty tough defensive line so the Bears offensive line is going to have its work cut out.  Still, using the same formula that they have used in the past to help protect Cutler should get them by in this game, and help them play well on offense especially in the passing game.

Of course the Bears have the running game that they can use to help them balance things out, and open things up for the passing game.  The Chargers are ranked 18th in rushing defense heading into this game and are allowing 120  yards per game. 

The Bears are gaining 119 yards per game on the ground.

Chicago will try to establish Forte early, like they often try to do, and control the ball and the clock.
The passing game has gotten better now, especially since Cutler is better protected and wide receiver Earl Bennett is back. 

We have seen what having Bennett has done for the Bears passing game since he returned in the Eagles game.  He’s the most valuable player on offense right now.

The Bears are gaining right around 208 yards per game through the air per game, which isn’t the best, but it’s been enough to get them through the last few games.  They are using the passing game effectively to get them out of tight situations, and should be able to use it effectively in this game.

The Chargers are allowing teams to throw for an average of 203 yards per game so the offense and the defense match up pretty well.

The formula for success on offense will be for the Bears to run Forte, get the ball to Bennett and protect Cutler.

When the Chargers have the Ball

The Bears defense has been one of the best in the NFL as of late. After their huge performance against the Lions this past Sunday, they are primed for another good game.  But they face a Chargers team that has a pretty good offense and one that is led by a quarterback that can make big things happen.

In order for the Bears to get to Rivers and make him make mistakes they need to get pressure on him and the Bears have been getting better pressure on quarterbacks over the course of the last few games.  Right now, the Chargers are averaging 288 yards per game through the air while the Bear’s defense is letting opponents gain 269 yards per game. 

The key thing to remember about the Bears defense is that while they allow a lot of yards through the air, they tend to shut opponents out of the end zone.  That’s the type of defense that they run.  Still, the Bears are going to have to be aware of guys like Vincent Jackson, guys that Rivers can get the ball to and have them create something after the catch.

The rushing attack for the Chargers is generating 108 yards per game, while the Bears defense is keeping opponents to 106 yards per game.  Things will be pretty even here, but the fewer rushing yards the Bears allow, the better off they will be.

The leading rusher for the Chargers is Ryan Matthews, and though he hasn’t had a strong or very productive season rushing the ball, he is still a threat. The Bears need to make sure that he doesn’t get the best of their rushing defense.

Special Teams

The Bears have the best special teams unit in the league, and they are a threat to score on each kickoff and punt return.  Although return specialist Devin Hester was ill last week, he managed to return a kick for a score and almost break another one.  Will the Chargers kick to Hester?  Even though teams continue to do so, for some reason the Chargers may not take that chance. 

And even if the Chargers don’t kick to him, the Bears will get good field position.

San Diego has had problems on special teams this year starting with the loss of their kicker, Nate Kaeding, in the first game.  The Bears have the edge in kicking, but San Diego has a pretty good punter and this may put the Bears in poor field position at times.

Analysis

The Chargers have the ability to put up a ton of yards on offense, but the Bears don’t allow teams to score so if they can keep the Chargers out of the end zone, of course they will win this game. 

Rivers has been struggling to keep the ball out of opponents’ hands this year (he leads the league in interceptions), and the Bears know how to take advantage of turnovers.  If there are turnovers by the Chargers, then the Bears are likely to win this game.

Even though Chicago blew out the Lions, they didn’t get a lot of production out of their offense. They will have to do it in this game, especially if the defense doesn’t generate any turnovers. 

The Bears need to get the ball going to Forte early to control the clock, and keep the ball out of the hands of Rivers and the rest of that Chargers offense.

Short passes to guys like Bennett would be a good idea for the Bears, and they can do that because Cutler likes throwing the ball to Bennett.  Getting some passes down the field on screens to Forte would also work well against the Chargers defense.

The Bears defense has been playing well this season, but will have a challenge in defending against Rivers and the Chargers’ passing game.  This Chargers’ unit racks up a lot of yards, so they need to be sure they are ready to defend against them from the defensive line to the secondary. 

The Bears defense is going to have to play a solid game against this team.  And that shouldn’t be difficult with better play coming from the defensive line. 

Peppers needs to be able to get good pressure on Rivers and force him into making mistakes the Bears can take advantage of.  The Bears may choose to use a linebacker to help blitz, but getting to Rivers is the key.

The secondary had been playing very well, but they will be without one of their key members for this game, D.J. Moore.  Moore hurt his ankle in practice and won’t be able to play in this game.

Special teams could become a key part of this game for the Bears and if they decide to kick to Hester he could break a long one.

Prediction

The Bears are on a roll right now, while the Chargers are stumbling.  If the Bears play like they have over the past couple of games, they will win this game.  If they allow Rivers and the Chargers passing offense free reign, the Bears will not win this game. 

Their defense has to play well.

Chicago 27 San Diego 13

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