Chicago Bears: 3 Things to know about the Houston Texans before Week 14

No. 3: The Chicago Bears’ skill players could be poised to feast

With so much uncertainty surrounding these teams, the winner of this game likely boils down to whoever wins the battle of fundamentals — field-position, a consistent game script, and time management. For that reason, there’s reason to be optimistic about a Chicago Bears victory.

This week, the Bears are hosting a team that ranks second-to-last defensively in both yards per game (4.9) and total rushing yards allowed (1,811).

Bill Lazor’s first half play-calling was sound last week, mixing in tons of motion to confuse defenses before allowing David Montgomery and Cordarrelle Patterson to gash the Lions’ defensive front. Simply put, he avoided getting too cute.

One thing we know about this Nagy regime is that the Bears won’t necessarily show patience with the running game if it stagnates. So, it’ll be important for them to get off to a hot start.

And what better time to find that? The Houston Texans have allowed six consecutive opening drive touchdowns. They’ve had trouble defending both the pass and the run; last week, they fell victim to a “rub” route, with T.Y. Hilton against man coverage.

There’s a lot to like. Allen Robinson gets to attack a shorthanded Texans’ secondary with Bradley Roby out (suspension). He’ll have the size advantage against defensive back Phillip Gaines.

It’ll also give Montgomery a chance to get off on a strong note, with his physicality as a runner. This year, he’s No. 2 in terms of his yards coming after contact. Against a Texans team noted for its poor tackling, there are certain zones to attack.