Bears need to be more efficient in the red zone and pressure Warner

The Cardinals come into town with a 3-0 record on the road. The Bears are 3-0 at home and always play well in front of the 4th Phase. The Bears are coming off a 24 point win against the Browns and no one is convinced that the Bears have progressed. This game is more important than ever because it is a true messuring stick.

The Bears are approaching this game as a way to prove to themselves and the 4th Phase that they are a good team. The Cardinals possess a potent offense that can put points on the board in a hurry but this season, their offense is ranked 19th overall, 9th in passing and last in rushing.

The Cardinals, rely on their passing game to keep their offense moving, and this is why the Bears defensive line needs to pressure Kurt Warner. They will have plenty of opportunities to get to him and if they don’t, Warner will carve up the Cover 2.

Credit: Chicago Tribune

Here are keys to game:

The Bears defensive line needs to play well and force Warner into making mistakes. He will cough up the ball and throw interceptions if the Bears can get consistent pressure on him.

Even though Hester, Knox and Bennett have shown signs of being productive wide receivers, they need to able to read the defense and make the necessary adjustments to give Cutler an open look.

Ron Turner has probably gotten the most heat out of the Bears’ coaching staff. He needs to use Matt Forte out of the backfield as an extra receiver. The Cardinals have been surprisingly stout against the run so the Bears will probably need to set up the run with the pass.

Cutler needs to recognize the coverages he’s being given and not force the ball down field. He will need to check down to Forte more often. After seven games in 2008, Forte had 29 receptions. This year, he only has 24. Using him as a receiver out of the backfield will help soften up the defense.

Red zone efficiency has not been efficient as the offense has been forced to settle for field goals or turn the ball over. Turner needs to take advantage of the match up problems they cause for opposing defenses with their tight ends.

The Bears have the 20th ranked offense and have struggled because of their deficiencies at offensive line. Despite the lower ranking, the Bears have consistently moved the ball down the field and usually start with great field position, thanks to the defense and special teams. Its just when they march the down the field, the Bears turn the ball over.

The Bears need to start this game fast and show life early. If they can, in my biased opinion, the Bears will win this game 27-17. Plus they always play well at home and have won 9 out of their last 10 at home.

Tags: Bears vs. Cardinals