The Chicago Bears are left searching for answers after a brutal overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. One they know they let slip away. Amazingly their week since seems to have only gotten worse with bad news stacked on top of more bad news. Head coach Matt Nagy is renowned for his leadership and ability to stay cool under pressure.
This could be the biggest challenge he’s ever faced. A team on a losing streak, ravaged by numerous health setbacks, and going on the road to play one of the best teams in the AFC. Can he put together a 60-minute performance good enough to pull off an upset? One can imagine doing so would get a lot of people off his back.
Remember Nagy is under a lot of heat for the poor performance of his offense in recent weeks. It’s getting to a point where many are questioning his future with the organization. Are they right? Let’s look at the matchup.
Chicago Bears at Tennesee Titans will have desperate tone
Storylines:
COVID catastrophe? – Medical experts warned that the fall season would likely see a resurgence of COVID-19 cases and boy they weren’t kidding. Despite being one of the most careful organizations in regards to the virus, the Bears couldn’t avoid its wrath. Both Jason Spriggs and Cody Whitehair have tested positive while Germain Ifedi and Tyler Bray were deemed close contacts. All after the team was in a position to do anything about it.
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Stopping the bleeding – Both of these teams have hit a dangerous slide at this point in the season. Each has lost two-straight and haven’t been playing their best football. People have begun to question just how good either team is. It feels like this game will play a huge part in how the second half of their respective seasons will play out.
Injuries:
Bobby Massie (knee) – Spriggs and Whitehair aren’t the only big losses for the Bears up front. Prior to that, they received the news that right tackle Bobby Massie was going on Injured Reserve with a knee injury. While nobody would call him elite, the loss of the veteran at this point in time is particularly rough. Chicago could be without four of its original five starting offensive linemen on Sunday.
Jadeveon Clowney (knee) – The good news is Tennessee doesn’t seem overly equipped to take advantage. Their pass rush has underperformed with just seven sacks. Now they may have to go without big-ticket free agent addition Clowney who has 10 pressures and six QB hits this year. He is still a disruptive presence up front. Replacing him will be nearly impossible.
Key matchups:
Jonnu Smith vs. Danny Trevathan – Smith has really emerged as an offensive weapon at tight end for Tennessee this year with 272 yards and five touchdowns. The Bears have had problems covering tight ends all season with Trevathan often being the guy teams pick on in coverage. One has to imagine Tennessee will look for that matchup as often as possible to exploit it. The Chicago Bears will have to be ready.
Darnell Mooney vs. Kenny Vaccaro – The Titans defense is hardly great this year, especially against the pass (27th in the NFL). They’ve been vulnerable down the field with safety Vaccaro being a constant sore spot, allowing a 125.4 passer rating on 20 targets. Mooney is the Bears’ best deep threat and Vaccaro is somebody they must work to attack with that speed whenever possible. Provided the makeshift offensive line can protect Nick Foles.
X-factors:
Derrick Henry – As if this is any shock. As Henry goes, the Titans go. He is arguably the best running back in the NFL with just shy of 800 yards rushing in seven games. They are going to feed him all day. The Bears have the 16th ranked run defense in the NFL. They’ve proven vulnerable on the ground. All but one opponent this year has failed to top at least 100 yards rushing in a game against them.
Roquan Smith – The Bears linebacker has looked outstanding most of the season. He’s been everywhere, making big tackles and giving offenses a major headache. His instincts but more importantly his range will be vital in this game. One of the biggest assets for the Titans offense is the mobility of Ryan Tannehill. Chicago will need somebody to keep that in check and Smith is by far the best equipped for the job.
Prediction: Titans win 20-17
A lot of people are predicting a Titans runaway. Is this possible? Sure. However, it just doesn’t feel like that will happen. The Chicago Bears still have a good defense. One that will keep the game close. Remember Tennessee just lost by 11 to the rebuilding Bengals last week. That said it comes down to whether the offense can do anything. They’ll have some nice moments but ultimately it will be some Foles turnovers against an opportunistic Titans defense that tips the scale.
