4 Keys to Chicago Bears' Success vs. Houston Texans in Week 2

3) Generate Pressure with 4 Rushers

The Bears' defense stole the show in the team's first outing of the year, finishing the game with a go-ahead pick-six, three takeaways, and three sacks. Recently acquired defensive end Darrell Taylor was responsible for two of those sacks - one of which resulted in a fumble from Will Levis - but the group as a whole was effective nearly from start to finish, excluding an explosive rushing attack from the Titans during the second quarter.

The defense will hold their own against the run, and Stroud will have to be particular with where he places passes in the Bears' secondary, but the identity of the unit is in generating pressure with just four rushers, and they will have their hands full with that task on Sunday night. Led by Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason, the Texans utilize an impressive unit of pass protectors, and Stroud has an elite understanding of pressure and how to navigate the pocket to avoid it, but the Bears' defensive line simply must win on passing downs throughout the entire game.

Taylor's two-sack performance last week was certainly a boost, but the line will potentially enter the contest without starter DeMarcus Walker, leaving Taylor, Montez Sweat, and rookie Austin Booker as the team's primary edge rushers. With at least five pass protectors on any given play, sending four rushers will guarantee at most three one-on-one opportunities per play, and the Bears need just one of those talented players to win their rep to consistently disrupt the Texans' offense.