The Chicago Bears face their biggest challenge of the season against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, and the obstacles the team faces are just as prevalent off the field as it is on.
The Bears are under much scrutiny for the events that unfolded over the last couple of days: quarterback Justin Fields gave a quote that was taken out of context and it got a rise on social media, left tackle Braxton Jones was put on IR with no clear timetable for his return, and things took a dark turn when defensive coordinator suddenly resigned with no indication as to why.
Buy Bears TicketsGeneral manager Ryan Poles said it best: the Bears are facing a ton of adversity at this moment. Even so, a win can ease many of the issues Chicago faces. Let’s go over the four key matchups ahead of Bears vs. Chiefs in Week 3.
1
Justin Fields vs. Chiefs secondary
After two games of hesitant play, Fields made the promise during a press conference Wednesday that he would dial back the gears whirring in his head every play and rely on his instincts and talent in Week 3. While Fields’ newfound perspective should elevate his play on Sunday, the talented defensive backfield of the Chiefs will aim to continue Fields’ cold streak to begin the season.
Chicago’s signal caller will need to rely less on his mental processing on any given snap and use his physical gifts as a crutch if he’s to play better on Sunday. Instead of holstering the weapon of his legs and sitting in the pocket as he goes through reads, he’ll need to go through his first couple and, if he feels the protection won’t hold up, escape from the pocket in an attempt to create something out of nothing. It’s become evident that head coach Matt Eberflus and the coaching staff made an earnest effort in getting their franchise quarterback to become a pocket passer, but it’s time to accept reality. Fields is a physical specimen of a football player, and he’s at his most dangerous being a dual-threat quarterback who throws the ball in his own way.
2
Bears offensive line vs. Chiefs defensive line
One of the most important battles that will take place in Arrowhead Stadium will be the war in the trenches, as the Bears will attempt to set the tone early in the run game.
The pass protection from the offensive line was surprisingly solid in Week 2, with the tackles specifically holding their own decently well. Creating holes in the run game is a different story, as the big guys haven’t been able to get much traction against defenders through two games. Though Kansas City doesn’t have the star power the Buccaneers had, their talent at the line can’t be ignored. Former All-Pro Chris Jones has a new contract with the Chiefs and is just as disruptive as ever, and second-year defensive end George Karlaftis is beginning to come into his own, as well.
The interior offensive line has struggled in all aspects of blocking to start the new season, and they’ll need to be more consistent to compliment the tackles on the outside. The offense has melted down on every level to begin the year and every aspect of the unit needs to rebuild itself, which includes the offensive line.
3
Bears defensive line vs. Chiefs offensive line
On the flip side of things, Chicago’s defensive line showed potential in getting after the quarterback after a bad Week 1 start, and they’ll aim to build on that in Week 3. Chicago did everything right in getting in the backfield in Week 2 against the Buccaneers, but Baker Mayfield routinely performed a magician act and evaded capture, resulting in the Bears posting zero sacks on the day. Getting Mahomes on the ground for a loss is crucial in getting a win on Sunday.
Overcoming Kansas City’s offensive line will be a tall task, however. The group boasts the likes of tackle Donovan Smith, guard Joe Thuney and center Creed Humphrey, the latter two being former Pro Bowlers. Chicago will need to prove they’re up to the task in not only rushing the passer but also stopping the run. The wider NFL believes the Chiefs’ run game will overwhelm the Bears’ front; the D-line as well as the linebackers will need to bust that narrative.
4
Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy vs. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo
This matchup may be the most important of all, and the Bears’ success in Week 3 will hinge on Getsy’s performance as a play caller. Unfortunately for him, he’s pitted against the renowned Steve Spagnuolo, who is known for spearheading adept defenses.
From Getsy’s perspective, his despised screen-oriented playbook needs to be shelved — permanently. It’s a fundamentally broken philosophy that doesn’t play to the offense’s strengths, and Spagnuolo will see right through it. With that call sheet in the trash, designed quarterback rollouts and runs have to be an emphasis. Some may expect the Chiefs defense to be prepared for it, but they ironically may not be because of Getsy’s refusal to use it.
Rollouts allow for Fields to get comfortable using his legs early and allow for some potentially big plays downfield. A vertical passing game needs to be implemented, as well, as receivers DJ Moore and Darnell Mooney are both at their best stretching the defense. Fields also makes a living throwing the ball deep, so that will compliment his run ability nicely.
Caution needs to be exercised, however. Spagnuolo is known to utilize heavy blitz package defensively. When Getsy intends to draw up a deep concept, he’ll need to bring in an extra man or two in a tight formation at the line of scrimmage for extra protection. It’s true the Bears won’t have as many options on those plays, but Fields will either take the shot or bail from the pocket. As Fields has trusted Getsy, Getsy needs to trust Fields.
