4 matchups to watch for as the Chicago Bears take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2

Chicago Bears, D.J. Moore
Chicago Bears, D.J. Moore / Michael Reaves/GettyImages
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Chicago Bears, Justin Fields
Chicago Bears, Justin Fields / Todd Rosenberg/GettyImages

Matchup #3) Justin Fields and his protection vs. Todd Bowles

Todd Bowles is well known as one of the more aggressive defensive minds in the game, and Week 1 was no different. The Bucs blitzed 21 times against the Vikings, more than any other team in the league.

The resulting pressure led to two sacks and three Vikings turnovers and was the primary reason the Bucs walked away with a road victory despite being outgained 369-242.

Bowles will surely smell blood in the water as he watches tape this week. Facing a mismatch against the Packers' defensive line, the Bears abandoned the medium and deep passing game, opting instead for an uninspired mix of passes at or behind the line of scrimmage.

Justin Fields shoulders some of the blame for the offense's poor performance, as he struggled to get the ball out quickly, even on the few occasions when he did have time. Fields will need to hang in the pocket and deliver the ball down the field, especially when players like Antoine Winfield, Jr. are sent on blitzes. The Bucs will be counting on Fields turning the ball over, but the Bears' young quarterback must protect the ball at all costs.

Not counting two quarterback sneaks on the opening drive, Fields had only two designed runs all game against the Packers. No other player in the NFL can change the game with his legs the way Fields can, so calling his number in the running game, especially against a team as blitz-happy as the Bucs, could produce some huge gains if Fields can get to the second level.

This matchup could be the biggest factor in determining who wins this game. Bowles' defense has the ability to overmatch the Bears if Luke Getsy doesn't improve his gameplan, but if the offensive line can give Fields time, he can exploit one-on-one matchups down the field and create big plays with his legs.