The Chicago Bears Need to ... : 4 Keys to Victory Versus the Green Bay Packers

The Chicago Bears Need to Avoid Costly Penalties and Mistakes

The first week of the season is generally an opportunity for mental errors to make their way to the field. This is especially true for a team that has so many new pieces for the start of the year, including important rookies like Darnell Wright and Tyrique Stevenson. For these two specifically, who play difficult positions for any player, let alone a first year, it will be important to quickly learn from mistakes, and try to avoid making them in the biggest moments. Unfortunately, for both of these players and many more, even a single penalty will ruin a drive one way or another. A false start on offense can put the team behind the sticks before they even know what's happening, and a defensive holding or pass interference can move the opposing offense down the field quickly.

The Bears will also need to be sound on special teams, primarily on punt return, where the team has struggled before the addition of Trent Taylor. Now, it seems that the position might be in better hands, but it is still crucial to field all kicks correctly, and not allow the Packers to get a short field off a special teams mishap. All too often, a defense grinds to stop the offense, only for the returner to put the ball on the ground, bringing the defense back out to try to get a stop on the goal line.

The Bears' margin for win might be pretty small, so any mistakes that give the Packers extra drives or even extend them may end up being a crucial factor down the stretch. Matt Eberflus seems to have the team disciplined in every aspect of the game, but with emotions running high in the team's first regular season opportunity, it is essential to keep a level head and play smart football.