Chicago Bears vs Washington Redskins: Week 16 keys to the game

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Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay defeats Chicago 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Feed the best players on offense

I’ve harped on Jordan Howard receiving the rock for a few weeks. Yes, the Bears are undefeated when Howard gets 20+ carries, but it’s a bit more complicated than that sometimes. It’s hard to justify running the ball when you’re down 17 points in the 4th quarter. However, the fact that Jeffery wasn’t involved in the game plan until the 4th quarter is another story altogether.

The Atlanta Falcons possess the highest scoring offense in the NFL at 33.5 points per game. They have targeted Julio Jones 113 times (72 receptions) in 12 games along with giving their feature tailback Devonta Freeman 202 carries along with 41 receptions. While no two teams are the same, Chicago doesn’t utilize their best players in the same way that other teams utilize their stars.

Chicago has utilized Howard better as of late, but Alshon Jeffery has only received 82 targets through 10 games. Matt Barkley can’t be scared to target Jeffery with Josh Norman covering him. Additionally, the Bears need to be feeding Howard against a defense that was steamrolled by Jonathan Stewart last time they played.

Jeffery needs at least 10 targets and Howard needs at least 17 carries to earn this key.

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