Week 11 keys to the game: Chicago Bears @ New York Giants

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Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) reacts after he sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Back up Pernell McPhee’s smack talk

The Giants have done a solid job in pass protection this season. Eli Manning has only been sacked 12 times on 350 pass attempts so far. However, the Bears’ front seven have quietly emerged as one of the premier pass rushing units in the NFL. Their 24 sacks rank 8th in the NFL due to Willie Young, Leonard Floyd, Akiem Hicks and Pernell McPhee. The four account for 17.5 of the team’s sack count and have steadily built a ferocious reputation. However, the group has never been outspoken until this week.

Pernell McPhee made a statement regarding getting after Eli Manning. In short, McPhee guaranteed that Manning will be eating turf at the Meadowlands on Sunday. Chicago’s pass rush has always been key to victory, but McPhee has brought an added meaning to this weekend. The 80’s and 2000’s Chicago Bears were built upon a defense the struck fear into people regardless of record. Should the Bears back up McPhee’s statement, it would be a significant step in achieving their former defensive stature. Additionally, the pressure will help bail out Chicago’s mismatched secondary with Odell Beckham Jr and Sterling Shepard lining up across from Porter and Leblanc. For the Bears to get this key, they need to make a 5 sack statement on Manning and the Giants.

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