WHEN THE BEARS HAVE THE BALL
ON THE GROUND
The Bears have a healthy respect for the Raiders’ run defense under coach Jack Del Rio. ‘‘If Jack Del Rio’s involved in the defense, that run defense will be tough,’’ said Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase, who was the Broncos’ OC when Del Rio was their defensive coordinator under John Fox in 2013. ‘‘That’s his baby. He knows how to stop people from running the ball.’’ That said, it’s a challenge the Bears and Matt Forte (59 carries, 276 yards, one TD) should be up to if they intend to be a run-first offense. The Raiders held the Browns to 39 yards on 14 carries last week, but the Ravens (23 carries, 107 yards) and Bengals (27 carries, 126 yards) were effective against them.
PLAYERS TOWATCH
Charles Leno Jr., a former seventh-round pick, will be making his first NFL start at left tackle and will be under the gun right away against Aldon Smith, Khalil Mack and Justin Tuck. Mack, chosen 241 spots ahead of Leno in the 2014 draft (fifth overall), is a budding star who is as disruptive against the run (11 tackles for loss as a rookie, second in the NFL behind J.J. Watt) as he is as a pass rusher.
IN THE AIR
Even if Jimmy Clausen starts for Jay Cutler (hamstring), the Bears figure to be more aggressive than they were against the Seahawks. ‘‘The one regret I have is that I wish I would have pulled the trigger a little bit sooner as far as being more aggressive on some of those first- and second-down calls,’’ Gase said. If it’s Cutler, the challenge will be avoiding an aggravation of the injury. Injuries elsewhere will be a factor. Leno Jr. will start for left tackle Jermon Bushrod (concussion), and receiver Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) is questionable. The Raiders sacked Josh McCown five times last week but are 30th in pass defense (322 yards per game).