4 Chicago Bears' keys to success for Week 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts

3) Limit Big Plays on Defense

The Bears' defense has established themselves as one of the league's premier units dating back to the last six or so games of the 2023 campaign. Still, the talented and well-coached group will have their hands full on Sunday with a big-play-hunting Colts offense that can make opposing defenses pay throughout the game.

In terms of "big plays" - generally considered as passes that result in at least 20 yards and rushes that result in at least 10 yards - the Colts have been very productive, averaging seven such plays per game through 2 weeks. In their first game against the Texans, most of this production came from second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who accounted for three completions that traveled over 50 yards alongside 2 qualifying rushes. Against the Packers, the Colts offense leaned more heavily on star back Jonathan Taylor, who recorded an impressive five rushes over 10 yards.

With a dynamic backfield featuring two freak athletes, the Bears must bring down Taylor quickly while respecting Richardson's deep ball. Disciplined pressure, sound tackling, and disguised coverages would all go a long way in preventing such momentum-swinging plays, and the Bears have the players on defense to bottle up this high-octane offense and turn the game into a slugfest.