Should the Bears win? Absolutely. Will they? The game preview continues…
Why the Bears Win
- Khalil Mack and the pass rush should dominate a Giants’ offensive line that has already allowed 38 sacks. That means forcing Eli Manning into quick, hurried decisions and that usually means turnovers. The Giants can’t beat the Bears Sunday if they don’t win the turnover battle. And they’re not going to win the turnover battle.
- Jordan Howard. No, I don’t think Matt Nagy is going to suddenly turn into Marty Schottenheimer and give Howard 28 carries. But this New Jersey defense likes to head for the exits a few ticks early at times. And with the forecast calling for rain, limiting the passing attacks, Howard should be able to dominate one of the league’s worst rushing defenses.
- Third Down. The Giants, once you remove garbage time drives, are one of the worst third-down conversion offenses in the league. Hell, even if you keep the garbage time snaps they are still pretty bad. The Bears make opponents execute long drives to score touchdowns. Long drives mean executing on third down. The Giants don’t do that well.
Why They Don’t
- Tackling. As strange as it sounds, this basic fundamental (or lack thereof) is not without precedent. If the Bears had tackled well in Miami they’d be sitting at 9-2 and threatening the top of the conference for a bye week in the postseason. Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham are tough men to tackle. If the Bears are not fundamentally sound they’ll be staring at the backs of their jerseys.
- Chase Daniel is still a backup quarterback and backup quarterbacks are not expected to win back-to-back road games. Would anybody be surprised if Daniel struggled in the Meadowlands? He’s played three games of note in his 9-year career. Why would anything he does surprise anyone?
Tarik Cohen Audio of the Week
Tweet of the Week
Sweet moment of the day: I Just saw @52Mack_ walking with #Bears Owner Virginia McCaskey (95 years old) in Halas Hall lobby. Mack helped her outside with her walker and she was smiling…just the 2 of them. Wonder what they were talking about? @cbschicago #NFL
— Megan Mawicke (@MeganMawicke) November 27, 2018
Game Prediction
Bears don’t wait until crunch time to make a game-defining interception. Bryce Callahan picks off a wild Eli Manning throw early and the Giants never recover.
Chicago Bears 27
New York Giants 7
