Keys To Victory: Chicago Bears Face Odd Test
By Usayd Koshul
2. Get after Eli Manning
In 2018, Eli Manning has been sacked a total of 38 times. In fact, 18 of those sacks have come in the last five games. This past offseason, the Giants invested heavily in the offensive line, signing Nate Solder in free agency while drafting Will Hernandez.
However, the results thus far have been disappointing. In fact, in one game, Manning was sacked a season-high six times. When Manning is under pressure, he tends to throw more interceptions. The Bears pass rush will need to get after Eli Manning so he doesn’t have time to get set and get the ball to his playmakers.
To get after Manning, the Bears can apply pressure in many different ways. However, with Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd coming off the edge, we’ll likely see Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan drop back into coverage as the Giants passing attack features Odell Beckham, Sterling Sheppard, and Evan Engram.
Once Manning begins to find his rhythm, the Giants offense as a whole plays much better. It’s for this reason that Chicago must shut him down early to avoid a comeback.