Chicago Bears: Week 9 keys to the game @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2. Keep throwing the deep ball, and SCORE off of it

The Buccaneers have a lousy defense. They are ranked 27th and 25th against the pass and run respectively. Most importantly, they allow the 4th most points per game in the NFL (29 ppg). While the run game keeps the Bears on schedule, it’s time to put some points on the board. The Bears recorded their second highest point total against the Vikings. 20 points may have been passable with Charles Tillman and Mike Brown in the secondary, but Adrian Amos and Tracy Porter is another story. It’s time for the Bears to truly exploit a team’s weakness and unleash the deep ball like never before. Want more incentive? Tampa Bay’s tallest corner measures in at 5-10. Alshon Jeffery and Cameron Meredith both come in a 6’3.

Most importantly, the Bears need to score off the deep ball. Tampa Bay may allow the 4th most points per game in the league, but the Bears score the 2nd least points per game (16.4 ppg). With gunslinging Cutler back under center and a 5 inch height advantage on both corners, there is no excuse not to throw the fade or the deep post.

For the Bears to earn this key, they need to either score twice or set up two scores by the deep ball. Chicago will likely need to score over 21 points to win this game, and the deep ball is the easiest way to accomplish that.