Keys to a Chicago Bears week 16 victory over the Green Bay Packers

It’s time. The biggest game at Soldier Field since 2018. The Chicago Bears will be looking to seek revenge against the Green Bay Packers following a heartbreaking loss in week 14.

More news: Collin Cowherd considers Chicago Bears to be legit title contenders

A win over the Packers could put the Bears in the drivers seat for a playoff birth and potentially a chance to clinch the NFC North next week.

During the week 14 loss to the Packers, the Bears showed everyone that they are a legit team and can go toe to toe with other top teams in the league.

Here are the three biggest keys to a Bears win against the Packers.

The Chicago Bears MUST prevent the explosive plays and contain Christian Watson

More news: Chicago Bears exploring stadium search to Northwest Indiana instead of Arlington Heights

One of the biggest reasons the Bears lost two weeks ago was due to the lack of stopping the explosive plays.

Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is expected to play despite being injured. Watson has played very well against the Bears throughout his career. The defense needs to contain Watson and prevent the explosive play.

Dennis Allen’s defense needs to make sure Jordan Love does not throw the deep ball, the secondary struggled badly against him two weeks ago.

Possibly putting two safeties up high could prevent this. The team cannot go crazy on the pass rush during third and short/fourth and short scenarios as well.

The Packers were able to score with a long catch and run TD off a slant route due to the Bears rushing 7 attackers on a short play.

The defense must prevent the explosive plays.

Takeaways, Takeaways, Takeaways

The Bears lead the NFL in takeaways at 30. Arguably the biggest key for a win at Soldier Field is the team needs to win the turnover battle.

Chicago is 9-0 when they have at least two takeaways. The team absolutely needs to take advantage of a Packers offense that might be without running back Josh Jacobs.

Jordan Love did throw an interception in the opening drive two weeks ago, however the Bears were unable to get more takeaways following that.

The defense needs to get the ball and put the offense in good enough field position to score.

Feed Monangai and Swift, get Loveland in the passing game right away

Regarding the offense, quarterback Caleb Williams is going to have to overcome some major adversity. The team will be without top receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.

This leaves DJ Moore as the Bears’ only primary receiver. Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay will likely see the field often and must step up in a huge way. However, the team still has a powerhouse of a running back room and two very good tight ends that can make plays.

The Bears’ offense must get Swift and Monangai going early. A Packers defense without Micah Parsons should be a major advantage. If Ben Johnson can feed his running backs, it’ll open up the play action game and could make the quarterback’s life much easier.

For the passing game, Colston Loveland has to get the ball. Loveland has solidified himself as a top target for Caleb Williams and has proven he can be a force in the offense. DJ Moore also needs to have a game like he did against Cleveland last week.

Despite being without Burden and Odunze, the Bears’ offense has enough tools to come out of Soldier Field with a win against the Packers.

The Bears must start fast early, remain in striking distance, and keep the game close. It’s time to finally reignite the Bears Packers rivalry with a massive win.

The post Keys to a Chicago Bears week 16 victory over the Green Bay Packers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/keys-to-a-chicago-bears-win-over-packers