Keys To Victory: Chicago Bears Enter Final Stretch

4. Use the Offense To Win

Time and time again this season, when the Bears have needed a critical stop at a key moment in the game, it’s usually been the defense that has bailed the Bears out. However, this Sunday, it’s the offense that will need to step and make plays for this team.

While the defense will look to shutdown Nick Mullens and keep the 49ers offense under control, the offense will need to put together one of it’s best showings of the season against a 49ers defense that allows 26.6 points per game.

While the Bears won’t need to score on every play. Mitchell Trubisky will need to play smart football and not turn the ball over against a defense that features Richard Sherman, DeForest Buckner, and Ronald Blair.

These three have been the main contributors for the 49ers throughout this season and will look to shut Trubisky down.

With the 49ers main focus being how to shutdown Mitchell Trubisky, the Bears will need Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, and Trey Burton to step up. Howard will need to be patient and wait for openings to gain solid yards, while Cohen will be lined up all over the field in order to confuse the 49ers defense.

Against the Packers, Trey Burton had his most impressive performance since week 12, hauling in four receptions and catching one touchdown Burton’s size (6 ft 3, 235 lbs) will be a major difference maker against a 49ers team that will likely matchup a defensive back or linebacker against Burton.

If the offense can get major contributions from Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, and Trey Burton, then the Bears have a chance at winning. While Mitchell Trubisky will also need to be consistent, if he can perform like he did against the Packers in week 15, then the Bears could likely see one of their best offensive outings of the season.