Keys To Victory: Can Chicago Bears Build a Win Streak?
By Usayd Koshul
3. Protect Mitchell Trubisky
Despite their 2-6 record, the Buffalo Bills actually have a pretty good defense. Running a 4-3 scheme under Head Coach Sean McDermott, the Bills held Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to just nine points through three quarters in week eight.
Buffalo’s defense consistently got after the quarterback, proving that they rely on a tough front seven to win games.
Led by veterans Kyle Williams and Lorenzo Alexander, Buffalo’s front seven relies on size and speed to win games. They consistently try to close up any gaps the offensive line tries to open up. Additionally, the secondary benefits as opponents average just 5.9 yards per pass play against them. In fact, in three of the Bills last four games, opponents have been held to just under 200 yards passing.
One way Buffalo does this is by trying to confuse quarterbacks pre-snap by switching linebackers. On one particular play against the Patriots, linebackers Lorenzo Alexander and Matt Milano quickly switched spots which eventually led to Milano shooting through a gap and tackling running back James White for a loss.
The Bills will without a doubt want to rush Mitchell Trubisky. So far this season, the Bills defense has totaled 21 sacks. If the Bears are serious about winning, then protecting Mitchell Trubisky is a must. Buffalo has plenty of options on defense such as Star Lotulelei, Tremaine Edmunds, and Jerry Hughes.