WHAT 2 WATCH 4
Key matchup
With the return of cornerback Prince Amukamara, the Bears’ secondary could be as strong as it has been in recent years. But Amukamara, Marcus Cooper, Kyle Fuller, et al. will have their hands full with Steelers All- Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown, who consistently produces and is capable of dominating.
Brown, who averaged 120 receptions for 1,579 yards and 11 touchdowns the previous four seasons, has 16 receptions for 244 yards ( 15.3- yard average) this season, but no touchdowns. He also has drawn 63 yards on two pass- interference penalties for a net of 18 receptions for 307 yards ( 17.1 average.).
“We’ll pay him some [ special] attention, but you can’t do it all the time,” Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “We’re going to have to be able to stand up and cover him and play him without any special help some of the time.”
Trending
The Bears are 0- 8 in September in three seasons under John Fox — a big reason why they have been in last place in the NFC North for 22 consecutive weeks ( including 19 weeks alone in last place). The Steelers are 6- 2 in September in that same span.
The Steelers have been vulnerable on the road but have won five consecutive road games — the thirdlongest active streak behind the Patriots ( nine) and Chiefs ( seven).
Key player
Running back Jordan Howard, who was second in the NFL in rushing last season with 1,313 yards ( 5.2 average), is off to a slow start this season, with 22 carries for 59 yards ( 2.7 average) and one touchdown. He gained seven yards on nine carries ( 0.8 average) against the Buccaneers last week.
“I would say it’s just different [ from last year],” Howard said. “We have so many new pieces. But I don’t have any doubts about us putting it all together.”
Howard hasn’t had much of a chance to get anything going. And the emergence of Tarik Cohen as more than a third- down back has complicated matters. Eventually it could be a positive.
“Especially when he’s on the field,” Howard said, “they’ll be paying attention to him, so that could open things up for me as well.”
X- factors
The Bears expect to regain three starters Sunday — guard Kyle Long ( ankle), wide receiver Markus Wheaton ( broken finger) and Amukamara.
All three figure to have some rust to shake off. Long has not played since he was injured last Nov. 13. Wheaton missed most of training camp and all of the preseason because of an appendectomy and the broken finger. Amukamara was injured early in the third preseason game against the Titans on Aug. 27. But at full strength, they should provide significant upgrades — particularly Long and Wheaton.