The Chicago Bears will look to place collectively their second four-game successful streak of the 2025 season this weekend, going through on a Pittsburgh Steelers protection that has not lived as much as the usual they’re identified for.
Whereas all the eye has been on Pittsburgh having introduced in quarterback Aaron Rodgers and huge receiver DK Metcalf this offseason, their protection has struggled at occasions regardless of having two very well-known veterans in T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward.
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A lot of the Bears wins this season have come towards weaker defenses, and though they’ve been sub-par many of the yr, they nonetheless have a number of recreation changers on that aspect of the ball who may have a big impression towards Chicago.
Listed below are the highest three offensive keys for the Bears as they tackle a Steelers protection that’s ranked within the decrease half of the league in a number of classes.
Keep elusive and maintain the legs shifting
In what could possibly be thought of a giant shock, the Steelers protection leads the NFL in missed sort out proportion, lacking over 18% of their tackles. This could possibly be a giant key for the Bears operating backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who’re identified to run aggressively and break down defenses. Rookie huge receiver Luther Burden has additionally proven an aggressive operating type with the ball and if the Bears could make Pittsburgh miss their preliminary tackles, it may result in large performs from the Chicago offense.
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Include T.J. Watt
Loads simpler stated than executed taking over among the best move rushers of this decade, however the Bears must ship all that they will to place a cease to T.J. Watt’s move rush potential. To his unbelievable credit score, quarterback Caleb Williams has been labeled “Houdini” for his potential to keep away from sacks and escape strain at a way more profitable charge than what he had final yr. Watt will command much more consideration with the potential of Alex Highsmith lacking this recreation attributable to harm.
Rating touchdowns, not subject objectives
For as a lot because the offense has turned for the higher below Ben Johnson’s first season, the Bears nonetheless want to search out the tip zone much more usually. One of many largest criticisms to their 7-3 begin has been that Chicago has a unfavourable level differential towards their opponents, however Pittsburgh ought to enable loads of alternatives for the Bears to place up factors. Having greater than a 50% landing allowed charge within the crimson zone, the Bears could have ample probabilities to interrupt down the Steelers protection.
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This text initially appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Steelers: 3 keys for Chicago’s offense in Week 12
