Chicago Bears

Week 12 keys to the game: Chicago Bears vs Tennessee Titans

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Chicago Bears had a good showing in the first half in New York, but failed to close out the game. The Bears will now welcome in a red hot Marcus Mariota to town who is fighting for a playoff spot. Can the Bears play the role of spoiler this week? Here are three keys that will guarantee a Chicago victory.

The punches just keep on coming for the Chicago Bears. A week after losing Kyle Long and Alshon Jeffery, the Bears were hit with another slew of bad news. Zach Miller, Josh Sitton, Tracy Porter, and Jay Cutler all suffered major injuries during the loss to the Giants. In addition, Pro Bowl caliber linebacker Jerrell Freeman became the second player suspended this season for PEDs. Can the Bears fight through the adversity and steal a win? Here are three ways they can make that happen.

Last week’s keys:

Zach Miller’s breakout game: It’s hard to judge a guy who only played half of the game, but there is reason to believe Miller had a lock on this key. Through one half of play, Miller logged 3 catches for 61 yards and a score. I said he needed 75 yards and a score for the key. Rarely do I display this kind of mercy, but I think Miller would have squeezed out 14 yards in the second half. Miller spearheaded the offense in the first half, and his absence in the second was painfully obvious. Bears earn this key.

Back up Pernell McPhee’s smack talk: The outspoken Bears linebacker promised sacks , and the Bears delivered… 0 sacks. The Bears defense had a chance to make a statement, but were never able to get to Manning. The defense played well as a whole, but forced no big plays to spark the offense, especially in regards to the pass rush. The Bears lose out on this key.

No turnovers: The only turnover came on a last play desperation throw. I give the Bears this key because the ball security kept the game close. Chicago’s defense allowed Jay Cutler to go down the field for a win in the final drive. The Chicago Bears earn this key.

Week 11 keys: 2/3

Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Marquess Wilson (10) catches a pass against New York Giants corner back Eli Apple (24) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1. Take the pressure of Matt Barkley

People get frustrated when Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers have a bad performance in a loss because they are supposed to go in and win the game. For anyone who wasn’t aware, Matt Barkley is NOT Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. John Fox can’t ask Matt Barkley to step in and score over 17 points. However, the Bears have to score at least some points to win. The Bears can create some offense.

First, the offensive line needs to play like they did against Minnesota. The Bears didn’t do anything special offensively against the Vikings, but they obliterated them in the trenches. Doing so against Tennessee will be difficult considering the likelihood of 7 and 8 man boxes, but the line play has to be stellar nonetheless. In addition, the running backs have to keep the offense on schedule. Regardless of blocking, the Bears need at least three yards a rush. Doing so will create manageable third downs as well as wear out the defense.

Lastly, the receivers can do their part in running great routes and getting open. Marquess Wilson, Eddie Royal, and Cameron Meredith have to have their best game of the year this season as well.

Nov 20, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs the ball against Chicago Bears safety Deon Bush (26) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2) Defense, win the ballgame

Throughout the Lovie Smith era, the Bears won despite having lackluster performances under center. Those teams wouldn’t have been successful without a stellar and hungry defense. Throughout the year, the Bears have been solid on defense, but not extraordinary. The pass rush has looked formidable at times, but the defense as a whole has never culminated into one fierce and dangerous product.

Remember that comeback in 2006 against the Arizona Cardinals? Rex Grossman has 6 turnovers and led the Bears to 3 points in the game. Chicago won that game by a score of 24-23. I’m not by any means saying that the Bears have to score two defensive touchdowns every single game. However, that defense took pride in having an atrocious offense and winning anyways. The adversity didn’t diminish their attitude, it increased it. Chicago lacks a chip on their shoulder, and this could be the opportunity to establish it. The Bears need 2 sacks, a turnover, and allow 17 points or less for this key.

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is tackled by Chicago Bears free safety Adrian Amos (38) at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

3) Who’s going to step up and lead?

You know what else made those Lovie Smith era teams competitive as well? Leadership. Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, along with Matt Forte and Olin Kreutz on the offensive side of the ball. Who leads the Bears today? If you said Jay Cutler, Alshon Jeffery, Jerrell Freeman, or Kyle Long, well they’re out. However, there always must be a mentality of next man up. The reality is that Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery might not even be around next season. What young players are going to step up and lead the franchise going forward?

To me, the answer should be Adrian Amos. He has almost started for 2 whole seasons, it’s time for Amos to separate himself as a leader. He might not be the flashiest player, but he has generally been consistent (last week was a disappointing outlier). However, Amos shouldn’t be alone. How about that big free agent signing at the dawn of the Fox-Pace era that was supposed to anchor the new 3-4 defense? That guy, Pernell McPhee, didn’t even play 50% of last week’s snaps. Despite being a pure pass rusher, McPhee didn’t record a sack despite promising to do so in the days leading up to the game. McPhee has done the talking this year, but he has struggled combining good play with it.

If there is a player who should be in control of the team right now, it’s Danny Trevathan. While the Bears needed to upgrade their linebacking corps, Trevathan was signed for another purpose altogether. Trevathan was a part of the Super Bowl winning Broncos last year, and he was supposed to help bring that winning culture to Chicago. Unfortunately, Trevathan has been one of the most quiet voices this season. While he has battled injury, Trevathan was signed with the idea in mind that he would be an impact player and leader from day 1. Chicago desperately needs that side of him to show up on Sunday.

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