Bears Blitz

Published by Zack Pearson on November 7, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Fresh off of their bye week the Chicago Bears look to get back on track when they take on the Buffalo Bills in Toronto. The Bears suffered two disappointing losses at home in back-to-back weeks against Seattle and Washington. The Bears were favored to win both games.

With a 4-1 record, the future looked bright for Chicago. With a 4-3 record, there is an uproar in Chicago.

The past three weeks Lovie Smith, Mike Martz and most of the coaching staff have been criticized for the Bears’ recent play. Criticism include the running game, Jay Cutler and the coaching. The only thing the Bears can do to stop that criticism is to win on Sunday.

The Bears are favored once again against the 0-7 Buffalo Bills, but this Bills team is no pushover. They have lost their last two games in overtime, pushing Baltimore and Kansas City to the brink of defeat.

Buffalo also has some firepower on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for 12 touchdowns this season after he replaced Trent Edwards at quarterback.

The Bills defense, on another note, is bad. Real, real, bad actually. They come into this game near the bottom of the rankings in passing and rushing defense.

And for a struggling offense like Chicago’s, the Bills defense should be the perfect recipe to get the team back on track.

The key for Chicago is to get their run game going—and get it going fast. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has received heat for abandoning the run game the past few games. After running the ball 42 times against Carolina, the Bears have only rushed the ball for a combined total of 30 times the past two games. That is something that needs to change.

If the Bears want Cutler to be successful, they need to establish a run game early on. Matt Forte and Chester Taylor will have the ability to gash the Bills defense, forcing them to play up in the box. That will lead to Cutler finding single coverage down the field. Although Cutler had a bad game against the Redskins, throwing four interceptions, I’m confident he can turn it around this week.

The Bears defense has been outstanding for them this season; don’t expect them to let up.

If the Bears can play solid lock-down defense, it could be a long day for Buffalo. Speaking for Bears fans all over, let’s hope that’s the case.

Three Keys to the Game

Jay Cutler developing a rhythm will be crucial for the Bears, especially if they are struggling in the run game early. A successful run game will lead to big things for the offense.

Special teams might decide the game. With the Bears offense struggling, special teams could pave the way to a Bears victory.

Don’t overlook Buffalo. The Bills will not go winless this season, as they have played better than their 0-7 record this season. They have pushed tough teams like Baltimore, New England and Kansas City.

Prediction

Bears 16, Bills 6

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