Keys To Victory: Chicago Bears Enter A Pivotal Three Game Stretch
By Usayd Koshul
![MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 4: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a play in the second half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 4: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a play in the second half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fbeargoggleson-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F11-2F1057320572-1-850x560-6e29436581b464caf5e7802458983d8f391bbf9f37335789acfe017ddd92b264.jpg)
1. Get after Matthew Stafford
This is perhaps the most important key if the Bears want to win on Sunday. Last Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings defense recorded ten sacks against the Lions offense. The result? Detroit was held to just nine points.
When the Lions come to town on Sunday, all eyes will be on the Bears pass rush. Khalil Mack is expected to return, while Leonard Floyd who is slowly starting to live up to expectations showed flashes of what he’s turning into (a stud pass rusher) against the Bills last week.
Through eight games this season, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been sacked a total of 23 times. The goal to beat the Lions is consistently pressuring the middle of the offensive line. The Bears will need Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks to close up gaps. This will then leave Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd to rush off the edges.
The Bears division rivals, the Minnesota Vikings followed the same plan. They consistently attacked the interior the Detroit’s offensive line, driving back Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, and T.J. Lang.
If the Bears allow Matthew Stafford to make plays consistently and start out fast, then this is a game that could be harder to win. The goal is to shut down Stafford early, by getting after him early and often.