2023-09-23 13:13:36
4. The Bears have an impressive tandem at running back.
Chicago led the NFL in rushing last season with 3,014 yards, and while former tailback David Montgomery is no longer in town, the tandem of third-year running back Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson is formidable. Herbert rushed for 731 yards last year (while averaging 5.67 yards-per-attempt) and Johnson, who joined the Bears as a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has averaged nearly six yards-per-attempt on limited carries this season. Both players have also been active in the passing game, combining for 12 receptions for 105 yards.
The Bears have just 45 rushing attempts this season – the seventh-fewest in the NFL – but if they choose to rely more on the running game this week, they certainly have the players to find success.
5. Can the Chiefs’ offense build off their strong finish to last week’s victory?
The Chiefs fell victim to numerous self-inflicted errors last week, from 12 penalties to three giveaways. Specifically, Kansas City was either penalized or turned the ball over on six of its 10 drives against Jacksonville. Fortunately, the Chiefs managed to overcome those miscues to make clutch plays in crucial moments, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 54-yard completion to wide receiver Skyy Moore late in the fourth quarter that essentially sealed the victory.
Kansas City will look to carry that momentum into Sunday’s game against a Chicago defense that has struggled to generate pressure (with one total sack as a team) and defend the big passing play (as evidenced by their seven passing plays allowed of at least 25 yards – the second-most in the NFL).
Additionally, for what it’s worth, the Chiefs have successfully moved the football when they’ve avoided the self-inflicted errors. Kansas City is averaging 5.7 yards-per-play this season – the fifth-highest mark in the NFL – so, it’s reasonable to assume that the Chiefs will find more consistency offensively if they can simply avoid slowing themselves down.
“There are small margins between winning and losing in this league,” said Coach Reid. “We know that, so we have to have a great week of preparation. That’s the one thing we can control – going out there and working our tail off. You put on the tape, and you see how hard [the Bears] play, so you better be ready.”
The Chiefs take on the Bears at 3:25 p.m. CT on Sunday.
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