Post by AlexM on Sept 8, 2016 5:52:43 GMT -6
by Bob Warya
Watt you Say?
Sure, one of the best defenders in the world will get the nod to go on Sunday, but one of the keys is just how well he will play and how many snaps he will see. When healthy, we all know the havoc he can wreak, but he is not 100%, nor does he have his legs underneath him, so we may see him more on obvious passing downs as the game limps along.
How Much will Leonard Floyd Contribute?
Floyd was a curious draft pick by GM Ryan Pace, because despite his obvious athleticism, he is light in the ass, so his ability to contain the edge will be severely tested. That means that he will need to use his speed to rush the passer and to cover the tight end coming out of the backfield. While his speed shows he can run with these guys, speed alone won't get it done in the NFL.
Run the Ball but Go Vertical
The Bears need to establish a solid running game to control the tempo and the clock, but also need to take an occasional shot downfield to soften up the stout Texans defense and test their corners and safeties.
This is a chance for last year's first round selection Kevin White to show what he can do. If he can stretch the defense, it will open up running lanes for Jeremy Langford.
How Quickly Can All the New Pieces Jell?
The Bears roster has undergone a tremendous amount of turnover in the last calendar year alone. And while they certainly hope these changes make for a better football team, it can take time for players to learn each other's tendencies and to play together cohesively as a unit.
Get a Pass Rush on Osweiler
Osweiler beat the Bears in his first NFL start, completing 20 of 27 passes for 250 yards with two touchdowns and a 127.1 passer rating. So the Bears definitely owe him some payback. And while the 6'8" QB looked good early on, as time went on other teams started to figure him out and he eventually lost the starting job in Denver to a fellow whose name kind of escapes me at this point (though I know he has his Sunday's free).
BONUS: Langford Needs to Pick Up the Slack from Losing Forte
Forte was a stalwart for much of his Bears career, but he's gone now, so it's Jeremy Langford's turn to shine. And the Bears will desperately need a good day from Langford and his rushing mates if they are going to beat the Texans.
The running game, of course, does a couple things. It keeps the defense rested and off the field; it keeps the Texans D on the field; it controls the clock and finally, it reduces the chances at mistakes by having Cutler feel he needs to force the ball downfield.
Entire article: Link
Watt you Say?
Sure, one of the best defenders in the world will get the nod to go on Sunday, but one of the keys is just how well he will play and how many snaps he will see. When healthy, we all know the havoc he can wreak, but he is not 100%, nor does he have his legs underneath him, so we may see him more on obvious passing downs as the game limps along.
How Much will Leonard Floyd Contribute?
Floyd was a curious draft pick by GM Ryan Pace, because despite his obvious athleticism, he is light in the ass, so his ability to contain the edge will be severely tested. That means that he will need to use his speed to rush the passer and to cover the tight end coming out of the backfield. While his speed shows he can run with these guys, speed alone won't get it done in the NFL.
Run the Ball but Go Vertical
The Bears need to establish a solid running game to control the tempo and the clock, but also need to take an occasional shot downfield to soften up the stout Texans defense and test their corners and safeties.
This is a chance for last year's first round selection Kevin White to show what he can do. If he can stretch the defense, it will open up running lanes for Jeremy Langford.
How Quickly Can All the New Pieces Jell?
The Bears roster has undergone a tremendous amount of turnover in the last calendar year alone. And while they certainly hope these changes make for a better football team, it can take time for players to learn each other's tendencies and to play together cohesively as a unit.
Get a Pass Rush on Osweiler
Osweiler beat the Bears in his first NFL start, completing 20 of 27 passes for 250 yards with two touchdowns and a 127.1 passer rating. So the Bears definitely owe him some payback. And while the 6'8" QB looked good early on, as time went on other teams started to figure him out and he eventually lost the starting job in Denver to a fellow whose name kind of escapes me at this point (though I know he has his Sunday's free).
BONUS: Langford Needs to Pick Up the Slack from Losing Forte
Forte was a stalwart for much of his Bears career, but he's gone now, so it's Jeremy Langford's turn to shine. And the Bears will desperately need a good day from Langford and his rushing mates if they are going to beat the Texans.
The running game, of course, does a couple things. It keeps the defense rested and off the field; it keeps the Texans D on the field; it controls the clock and finally, it reduces the chances at mistakes by having Cutler feel he needs to force the ball downfield.
Entire article: Link
