Keys To Victory: How Will Chicago Bears Stop Miami Dolphins?

4) Win On Third Down

Through four games in 2018, the Chicago Bears have converted on 41.2 percent of their third downs. Throughout all of 2017, the Bears offense converted on just 34.6 percent of third downs.

Facing a Miami defense that has allowed just 23.4 points per game, it’s no secret that Miami’s defense will make the Bears work on every single play.

So far, the Dolphins defense has forced 12 turnovers in 2018. In what has definitely turned out to be one of the NFL’s most underrated secondary, opposing offenses have converted 44.4 percent of third downs against the Dolphins defense this year.

Chicago possess everything needed to win on third down against Miami, but two players in particular can play a big role for the Bears. To win on third down, the Bears will need to use playmakers like Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard.

If the Bears are in third-and-short situations, then handing the ball off to Howard makes sense. While the Bears did not use Howard much in week four, week six could change and we could see more of Jordan Howard on third down.

The Bears must convert on third down consistently to be able to put together a solid performance against the Dolphins. It’s not just enough to win on third down in the first half, but to also do it in the second half, when beginning to close the game out.