The Chicago Bears are looking to go 4-0 for the first time since 2006. Yes, the season where they finished 13-3, and went on to play in Super Bowl XLI. Ironically, they had the same schedule as they do in 2010.
Fresh off their 20-17 win Monday night against their rival Green Bay. With the win the Bears took over sole possession of first place in the NFC North. Even with their surprising 3-0 start, many national media outlets think the Bears are a fluke.
They can prove all of the haters that they are wrong Sunday night on national television when they travel to the Meadowlands to take on the New York Giants.
The Giants have struggled early on and have a record of 1-2 to start the season. Many people thought this team could compete for a playoff spot in the NFC. It’s still early, but if they continue to play like this, they might be looking at a top ten pick in next years draft.
New York has committed ten turnovers on offense this season, and their defense is ranked 30th in total points. In three games, they have given up an average of 28.3 points.
A key component to the game will be Chicago’s passing offense, led by gunslinger Jay Cutler. They will be facing the fourth ranked passing defense, which gives up 168 yards per game on average.
Something will have to give. If Cutler can continue his domination through the air, Chicago could win this in a blowout. On the other side, if the Giants defense can force Cutler into pressure and early mistakes, they could be on the winning end of the game.
Cutler will need protection from his offensive line in order to tear up the Giants secondary. The line has looked somewhat better since preseason, and was impressive at times against Green Bay.
The Bears will need to get their run game going. Something that they have not been able to do all season. If the Bears had a successful run game, this offense would be a little bit more scarier.
With the Giants having ten turnovers in three games this season, the Bears defense is licking their chops. This defense strives for turnovers, and functions off of them as well. We seen last week, as the Bears forced a late Green Bay turnover, what the defense can do.
They get after you, hit you, strip the ball from you, and punish you if you make a mistake.
The Bears will need to get pressure on Eli Manning, and not allow him the time to sit in the pocket and make accurate throws. If they can do this, I’m confident it will be another long game for the Giants.
With a win on Sunday night, the Bears can move to 4-0 and get another statement win. A win would make them 2-0 against NFC East teams, with both being on the road.
The Bears will be in for a test though. A hungry Giants team that needs a win badly will come to play. Sometimes the teams that need wins are the ones you don’t want to play.
Three Keys to the Game
-Establish the run game. We have only seen the Bears rush for over 100 yards as a team once this season. That was week one. Cutler and the passing game will need help. Against a Giants team that’s 28th overall against the run, this is the perfect game to get the run game going. Matt Forte and Chester Taylor will need to contribute for a Bears win.
-Convert on third downs. The Bears have been pretty good at converting third downs this season. They will need to continue to do this to be successful. There’s is almost no greater feeling than moving the chains.
-Special Teams are a must. We seen Devin Hester get his first return touchdown since 2007. The Bears must keep playing well on all aspects of special teams.
Prediction:
Bears 18, Giants 13