NFL Week 10: Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams-What to Watch
By Grizz.
The Trenches
Controlling the line of scrimmage is going to determine the outcome of this football game. With the St. Louis Rams featuring a defensive front that features all-pro, Robert Quinn, and pro bowler, Aaron Donald, the Bears offensive line will face a tough task. Luckily, Chris Long, will be sidelined for a few more weeks.
Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears tackle Kyle Long (75) reacts during a 22-19 victory against the San Diego Chargers in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears’ offensive line will have to play at the best of their abilities in order to keep a clean pocket for quarterback Jay Cutler. Look for Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase to utilize multiple tight end looks, and keep an eye out for Bears’ running backs to stay in on pass plays in order to make chip blocks on blitzing edge rushers.
This patchwork offensive line has played competent up until this point, but a case could be made that they are facing a defensive front that has more talent than that of the Seattle Seahawks that they played in week three. Charles Leno Jr. and Kyle Long will have to prove Sunday that they have taken the next step in their progression.
As for the Bears defensive line, rookie Eddie Goldman may not have stuffed the stat sheet, but he was consistently fighting off double teams throughout his performance last week. You did not hear his name much – which for a nose tackle is a great thing. Goldman will have to deliver that type of performance this week as the Offensive Rookie of The Year favorite, Todd Gurley, will be in the St. Louis backfield.
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Will Sutton (93) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jarvis Jenkins, who has drastically underperformed as of late, will have to show what he is made of this week. After taking advantage of less than adequate tackles in weeks 3,4,5 – Jenkins must perform at a high level week in and week out in order to show this new regime that he is worth a second contract.
As for the other defensive end spot, second year player Will Sutton is doing what he does – which is stop the run. Other than that, Sutton, has not contributed much to this Bears line. Speaking in terms of expectations, you can easily applaud Sutton for his willingness to convert to a 3-4 defensive end and his attitude throughout the process, but point, blank, the Bears need more from Sutton.
Whoever controls the line of scrimmage will win the game, be on the lookout to see if the Bears can do just that come Sunday.
Next: Fools Gould & Stopping Tavon