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

By William "Wild Bill" Ingalls

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard (24) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) is defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Harold Jones-Quartey (29) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) is defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Harold Jones-Quartey (29) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Takeways takeaways takeaways

Doug Martin will be active for the first time since week 2. He will join forces with Mike Evans, Cameron Brate, and Jameis Winston as part of the Bucs’ offensive attack. The Buccaneers have a similar advantage over the Bears on offense. Both Mike Evans and Cameron Brate are 6’5 which towers over the Bears’ tallest defensive backs which measure in at 6’2.

Unfortunately for the Bears, Tampa Bay has a distinct advantage on the offensive side of the ball. Chicago’s brand of bend but don’t break defense doesn’t offer much encouragement against an offense that has moved the ball well so far this season. However, quarterback Jameis Winston has a tendency to make bad decisions with the ball. If the Bears want to win on Sunday, they need to pounce on those mistakes.

The Bears have forced a measly 7 turnovers to this point. Chicago is currently a middle of the road defense which ranks 14th in point allowed per game (22.4), 12th in pass defense (238.1 ypg), and 14th in rushing defense (100.8 ypg). While those stats are solid, the Bears lack a defining feature on their defense.  For Chicago to truly make a run at the playoffs, the takeaway game needs to improve tremendously. This week provides a great opportunity with  a struggling second year quarterback. For the Bears to earn this key, they must force two turnovers.

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