3 Keys to a Bears Victory Over the Chargers
This Sunday, the 2-5 Chicago Bears visit the 2-4 Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams have had disappointing seasons so far. Like always, the Charges can not seem to win one-score games, as three of their four losses are by seven or less. Even if close games like these are what Charger fans have come to expect, they would still like to see some victories. A victory is certainly what the Chargers are looking for this week to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
On the side of the coin, the Bears’ chaotic season has been well documented. From the surprise resignation of defense coordinator Alan Williams to offensive struggles and, finally, Justin Fields getting hurt, the Bears have gone through a lot. That does not mean all hope has been lost in the team, as they looked better last week in their victory over the Raiders. However, if Bears fans have learned anything this season, its that this team looks different on a week-to-week basis. With that in mind, the Bears need to follow these three keys to secure a victory against the Chargers.
Let Tyson Bagent cook
Photo Credit: Chicago Bears
Undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent played well in his NFL debut last Sunday. Finishing the game with 182 passing yards and a passing touchdown. Most of Bagent’s passing yards against the Raiders came on short throws. While it was nice to see Bagent make quick decisions on those short throws and ultimately help the Bears secure a victory, he needs to be allowed to attempt deep passes against the Chargers.
The Chargers are the second-worst passing defense in the league, allowing 1,860 yards this season. Most of the Chargers allowed passing yards have come on deep passing plays. Meaning it would be smart for Luke Getsy to scheme some deep passes for Bagent against the Chargers.
Allowing Bagent to throw the ball deep will also keep the Bears in the game. The past two weeks, the Bears faced the Vikings and Raiders, both teams that don’t score lots of points. However, the Chargers can score points. In fact, they average 24 points a game. That means that the Bears will have to try and keep pace with them. The Best way to keep up is by letting Tyson Bagent attack the Chargers’ defense by throwing deep balls.
Continue Defensive success on third down
Photo Credit: Chicago Bears
Over the first four weeks of the season, the Bears defense allowed opposing offenses to convert on 60% of their third down attempts. That inability to get off the field on third down hurt the Bears' chances of winning games. Thankfully, over the past three weeks, the defense has improved on third downs, only allowing opposing offense to covert 29.4% of the time. The improvement on third down has allowed the Bears to win two of their last three games. Even in the game they lost, getting defensive stops on third down kept them in it.
The Bears look to continue their recent third-down success against the Chargers. To do so, they will need to slow down wide receiver Keenan Allen and pressure quarterback Justin Herbert. To slow down Allen, the Bears should matchup cornerback Jaylon Johnson on third down. This puts the Bears’ best corner on the Chargers’ best receiver on the most crucial downs in the game. If that ends up being the matchup, whatever player wins, those reps will most likely be on the winning team.
Recently, the Bears and head coach Matt Eberflus have been calling more blitzes on third down. That will need to continue this week against the Chargers because Herbert does not always handle the blitz well. If the Bears’ defense can force Herbert to feel uncomfortable and throw the ball away on third down, their chances of winning skyrocket.
Slow down Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa
Photo Credit: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have two superstar edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, that the Bears need to neutralize in this game. Bears faithful is very familiar with Khalil Mack from his time as a Bear. During his four years with the Bears, Mack was a certified game wrecker, gaining 36 sacks,14 forced fumbles and 6 fumble recoveries. Since joining the Chargers, Mack’s production has gone down, but he can still cause issues. Earlier this season, he had six sacks against the Raiders, showing that if there is not a concerted effort to stop him, he will still wreck the game.
As for Joey Bosa, he missed most of last season with a groin injury and has had nagging injuries throughout this season. However, when he is on the field, he also causes problems for opposing teams. In the games Bosa has been able to play this season, he has gathered three sacks and pressured the quarterback many times.
In order to stop Bosa and Mack, the Bears will need to use running backs and tight ends for chip blocks. That should give Bagent enough time to read the field and make plays. If it does not then the Bears will be in for a rough Sunday night.