Bears vs Jets: Inside the Numbers
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) rushes for a gain against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi
Week 3 is upon as and we’ll be looking forward t Bears vs Jets on Monday Night Football. The Chicago Bears are riding high from their thrilling comeback win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football while the New York Jets are licking their wounds, trying to figure out how they blew a 4th quarter lead to the Green Bay Packers. The Bears make the coast to coast trip to take on the Jets on Monday Night Football, their second straight prime time game. Let’s look inside the numbers to start to preview this matchup.
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Bears Rushing Offense (30th) vs Jets Rush Defense (1st)
The Jets are stingy against the run. How stingy? They’re giving up just 52.5 yards per game on the ground. They’ve played the Raiders and Packers in the first two weeks. The Raiders are just bad (only 158 yards of total offense in Week 1) and the Packers aren’t exactly a prolific rushing attack and frankly weren’t in a position to run the ball when they fell behind. The Jets boast a stout front-7 dotted with former first round picks. Sheldon Richardson is a beast in the middle of their 3-man front and will pose a challenge for reserves Brian de la Puente and Michael Ola.
The Bears have gotten off to a slow start with their running game this season. Part of it is reflected in the teams they’ve played. Both the Bills and 49ers have strong defensive fronts and stout rush defenses. I’m not sure this is when Matt Forte breaks out of his rushing slump, where he’s only rushed for 103 yards in two games.
Bears Passing Offense (9th) vs Jets Pass Defense (17th)
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi
There will be opportunities for the Bears through the air against the Jets. Darrelle Revis is gone and Dee Milliner is solid but not ready for an island just yet. The key for the Bears passing game will be pass protection. Buddy Ryan’s Jets will bring pressure from anywhere, anytime, just like his pappy used to do with the ’85 Bears. Rookie Calvin Pryor brings the pain, but his inexperience could make him a target. Just ask fellow rookie safety Jimmy Ward about matching up with Brandon Marshall in the red zone.