Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) smiles with his team during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving against the Oakland Raiders at AT
Win Individual Battles
This is as basic as it gets. Each player with a C on the side of their helmet needs to start winning individual battles. The Bears have been overmatched, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Guys need to shed blocks better. Guys need to maintain their leverage.
The weather is going to be miserable along the lakefront and this game will be a lot about will and desire. That starts with beating the man in front of you.
Air it Out
The Cowboys have the worst defense in the NFL. That’s worse than the Bears’ defense, which is only ranked worst against the run. It’s going to be a tough night to do it, but the Bears need to pass the ball to win the game. They create matchup problems with Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett not to mention Matt Forte coming out of the backfield.
Brandon Marshall is just 10 yards shy of joining Alshon Jeffery as 1000 yard receivers for the Bears this season. If the Bears want success, they need to get the passing attack going against the Cowboys’ woeful pass defense.
It’s about Da Coach
The Bears will retire Mike Ditka’s #89 during halftime. You’d hate to see his night marred by a loss. Ditka inspired his Bears teams and brought a fire and passion to the sidelines that many Bears fans have been clamoring for since Ditka was fired after the ’92 season.
Marc Trestman showed some guts a few weeks ago when the Bears played the Packers on Monday night, going for a fourth down on the Bears’ side of the field while protecting a fourth quarter lead. A lot of Bears fans enjoyed seeing “the Tresticles” that the Bears head coach showed that day, but there have been a lot of questionable decisions since. Attempting a 47-yard game winning field goal and second down when they could have gotten a few more yards to make it a more manageable kick for Robbie Gould.
Trestman needs to settle down and quit coaching scared. It’s about Da Coach, but it’s also about the current coach.
What do you think? What are your keys for a Chicago Bears victory? Let’s see your thoughts in the comments.