The Chicago Bears are a team with many questions. Reports have them being analyzed from the top down and there could be some changes coming. Their game 2 weeks ago against the Minnesota Vikings did not show any signs of a team in turmoil. This week they have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Are you buying or selling a Bears victory?
Jay Cutler returned to action 2 weeks ago against the Vikings. He looked like a new QB in that game. He was accurate and on time with his passes. He made some great throws into traffic. He gave us a glimpse of the Jay Cutler that we expect to be in the NFL. Can that same Cutler show up again? This week against a Bucs defense that is ranked 27th against the pass it is highly possible. I expect Cutler to have a fairly solid game.
The Chicago Bears running game has found something in RB Jordan Howard. He is very quick and elusive. He brings a spark to the Bears offense. If he is able to get going early and often this would lead to the Bears play action game being effective. Howard can be used as a 3 down back. In order to be successful against the Bucs, the Bears cannot afford to shy away from Howard and the run game. Look for a solid attack from the Bears on this front.
This could also be a solid game for Cameron Meredith. The Bucs pass defense is going to do what it can to stop the Chicago Bears top targets, Alshon Jeffery and Zach Miller. This makes a prime target for Meredith. Cutler has been getting is timing down with Meredith. With Jeffery getting rolled coverage, I would expect Cutler to have a few more targets for Meredith.
The Chicago Bears are a team trying to answer a lot of questions. The first question they need to answer is on Sunday. Can we beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? I think it will end up being a shootout. Neither defense is very good. I will buy the Bears in the end.