NFL
By: Kristy Love
Let’s face it, Justin Fields has flopped. Yet, as we enter our Week 5 match-up against the Washington Commanders (1-4), can we really say Fields is to blame? There is a lot to learn about last week’s loss against the Minnesota Vikings (4-1), and there are three main keys to success against the Commanders on Thursday night.
Apply pressure to Wentz
Both teams have been struggling this year on both sides of the ball. However, the Commanders are sitting dead last in NFC east and have lost four straight games coming into Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Bears are the last in the league against the run. THIS HAS TO CHANGE. Chicago is 9th defensively against the pass and 31st against the rush. While on the flip side, the Washington offense ranks 10th in passing and 28th in rushing.
The Bears secondary must shut down Terry McLaurin & company. However, this is only possible if we can apply pressure to QB Carson Wentz. It’s time for Matt Eberflus to show his defensive mind with intricate blitzes and hidden coverages. The plan should be consistent pressure while masking our zone coverage to force Wentz to make mistakes.
Move through Montgomery
David Montgomery is not our only weapon in the backfield, so the Bears agenda on this short week is to continue to run the ball. The Commanders rank 14th in defense against the rush. Even with last week’s loss to Minnesota, it’s evident that Montgomery and Khalil Herbet can rally this team, especially against a middle-of-the-pack defense. In those pivotal third downs where we need short yardage, hand it to our beasts and allow the line to continue to open up gaps for them to feast on the Washington defense. Also, Fields needs to be utilized in option plays where he can also make runs when it’s smart and safe.
Use those weapons
Speaking of Justin Fields, you have to uncuff this man. In the past 4 weeks, Fields only had a total of 88 pass attempts which makes him 32nd in the league behind guys like Cooper Rush, Davis Mills, and Marcus Mariota. The passing regime should improve in this week 5 match-up due to the weapons that are emerging around Justin. Velus Jones Jr made his season debut against the Vikings, and that kid fought. He snatched his first career touchdown and is thirsty to see the endzone against a lackluster Commander defense. It’s time for Darnell Mooney to step into superstar status in the game Thursday. Mooney is capable of producing big plays, as shown in his sensational one-handed catch against the Vikings.
Speaking of debuts, N’keal Harry has been activated and is set to play against the Commanders. With a triple threat like this on the wings, there is no reason Justin Fields should not have a minimum of 20+ pass attempts this Thursday night.
Now It’s Showtime
Matt Eberflus has to get this team trending upward. Currently, we are 2-3 on the season sitting 3rd in the NFC north. With the entire nation watching this Thursday night on Prime television, it’s time to show up and show out. These are the moments that can change the narrative for Fields and the Bears as we look to make strides to post-season football. Kickoff is set for 7:15 pm. Follow me on Twitter @Iamkristylove
