Bears’ main job: Make this quick
The Bears are headed into a game with a .500 record for the first time since Oct. 19, 2014, when theywere 3-3 and host to the Dolphins. They also have proved through two games that they are a far more talented and competitive football team and have trailed for only 2 minutes, 13 seconds total. In what should be a very winnable game against the Cardinals, here are three keys to keep tabs on as Sunday game unfolds. (Circle back after the game for a review.)
Strike early
Pregame analysis: The Cardinals are winless. Their offense is a disaster. They have been outscored 40-0 in the first halves of their two losses. And the natives are becoming increasingly eager to launch starting quarterback Sam Bradford in favor of firstround pick Josh Rosen. In otherwords, the door is open for the Bears to take full control right away. Vic Fangio’s defense has been on the field for
12 first-half possessions and has allowed only three points. MattNagy’s offense has scored touchdowns on its opening drive in each of the last twoweeks. With another fast start Sunday— which will require limiting Cardinals running backDavid Johnson— the Bears can completely demoralize a struggling opponent. Plus, with a large pro-Bears contingent expected in the desert, they quickly may feel like they’re playing a home game.
Handle the pressure
Pregame analysis: Cardinals coach SteveWilks and defensive coordinator AlHolcomb love to bring the heat. The Cardinals do a great job of disguising blitzes andwon’t be afraid to send linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties at Trubisky. SaidWilks: “Number one, I think you have to be aggressive and dictate a little bit what the offense is doing and not try to react to them.” Keep a close eye on second-year safety Budda Baker, an emerging playmaker and accomplished blitzer whomWilks calls “a major, major part of whatwe’re trying to get done.” Bears offensive coordinator Mark He lfrich said his offense is facing an “all-hands-ondeck type of deal” in trying to account for the Cardinals’ blitzes. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky will need to be sharp with his pre-snap diagnoses and show better poise in the pocket.
Be special
Pregame analysis: The Bears defense is better than the Cardinals defense. The Bears offense is better than the Cardinals offense. So a big key in barring the door against a letdown will be to take care of business and win on special teams. Cardinals rookie Christian Kirk has game-breaking potential as a punt returner. The Cardinals gave up 133 punt return yards against the Rams lastweek, including a 60-yarder to JoJoNatson. Tarik Cohen may have a chance for an explosive punt return or two. But Cardinals special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers, whowas with the Bears the previous three seasons, has plenty of intel on Cohen.
— DanWiederer