Keys To Victory: Can Chicago Bears Right A Sinking Ship?
By Usayd Koshul
2. Shut Down The Jets Run Game
The Jets running game has been consistently inconsistent this offseason, however, this is still a run first team. In seven games this season, New York has rushed for 100 or more yards, four times, including a 323-yard performance against the Denver Broncos in Week Five.
With starter Bilal Powell out, running back Isaiah Crowell is expected to get most of the workload. While not being a household name, Crowell averages 5.7 yards per carry and has five touchdowns in seven games this season.
With other starters like Wide Receiver Robby Anderson looking like they’ll be out for Sunday’s clash against the Bears, Crowell automatically becomes a big asset for the Jets offense.
Three main players on the defensive line will need to step up for the Bears. Bilal Nichols, Eddie Goldman, and Akiem Hicks will need to be at the top of their game when it comes to stopping the Jets Zone runs. The presence of these three players will be a huge difference maker for a unit that is without a healthy Khalil Mack.
The more the Bears shut the run game down, the more the Jets will ask rookie quarterback Sam Darnold to do against a stingy defense.