For the third straight season, the Chicago Bears find themselves staring down the barrel of a relatively uninteresting New York Giants squad. Led by Saquon Barkley, there’s hope for Daniel Jones to flourish under new leadership, but a substandard offensive line could spell trouble for New York. Traipsing into Soldier Field to face a confident Bears team ends two ways: a second straight drubbing to begin the season, or catching Chicago mid-hibernation, inducing another sloppy three quarters.
Inspector Gadget
Ahead of a Saturday slumber, Tarik Cohen signed on the dotted line, linking the gadget back to three more seasons in Chicago. This past week Cohen expressed his desire in producing more power from the backfield. Because of his smaller stature (5’6″, 179 lbs), there are considerable limitations to his usage.
But Matt Nagy isn’t shy about using Cohen between the tackles. A fair balance on the ground opened up the passing game late last Sunday afternoon in Detroit. That balance figures to play a crucial importance in the success of Chicago’s offense against New York and going forward.
but Allen Robinson…
The extension of Cohen comes particularly peculiar timing. After a fourth quarter for the ages, all seemed quiet on the Chicago front. That joy and excitement lasted all of forty-eight hours until Allen Robinson made waves in the news, deleting all social media connections to the Bears and, according to one Chicago writer, requesting a trade.
Quickly the top headline-getter in the city, a promising start to the 2020 season already felt deflated. Robinson spoke to media on Wednesday to quell drastic rumors, but more cryptic answers from the star wide receiver opened to door for more confusion.
Robinson, 27, angling for a long-term contract extension to stay in Chicago, holds just about all fifty-two cards. A necessity in the offense and a safety valve for Mitchell Trubisky, an extension must be on its way, but “when” remains the question.
That’s what makes us tense up a little more when reading the Cohen news. While a nice complement to any offense, Robinson’s importance to the offense is not something to tamper with.
Onto Sunday
I suppose all we can do is look forward to noon. Allen Robinson is the consummate professional and the lacking of an extension shouldn’t impact the player’s performance on the field whatsoever.
Don’t let the past week of intrigue within Halas Hall distract you from the fact that the Bears squeaking out the dirtiest of victories in Detroit has a fanbase filled with wavering confidence in coaching, management and most importantly, the quarterback.
Mitchell Trubisky found the end zone through the air three times in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Arguably the most shocking performance in a building named for a Ford since Our American Cousin, the Bears clawed back from a seventeen point deficit to ruin Matt Patricia’s Sunday and Detroit’s patience with their head coach.
But Trubisky’s fourth quarter stellar showing was necessary after the offense refused to produce more than two first half field goals to keep pace with Detroit. Maybe a questionable decision here and there, more apparent on the final possession of the first thirty, too, but overall, Matt Nagy’s play-calling kept hopes alive. Disagree? That’s fine, but I’d like to point you in the direction of ESPN+ and Peyton Manning’s Detail, which showcased Nagy’s stellar management on Sunday (requires ESPN+ subscription).
In all hopes, Trubisky uses the fourth quarter to springboard the offense into a lavish first half against New York. The Giants allowed the seventh highest passer rating in Week 1 and allowed the ninth most rushing yards. The Giants aren’t completely helpless in that phase, but they’re certainly not a solidified group. Taking advantage early and often shouldn’t face heavy resistance.
Is New York’s Offense Good; and why not?
You’d think Saquon Barkley, an improving and provision Daniel Jones with an OK receiving corps would find some success. Darius Slayton found some gaps in the Pittsburgh secondary on Monday night, but Evan Engram was almost invisible in the receiving game. Engram, a receiving tight end, found himself in plenty of blocking situations much to the chagrin of Giants faithful.
Andrew Thomas, the fourth overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Georgia, provides excitement to an otherwise rancid offensive line. Khalil Mack complimented the rookie tackle for his veteran-like qualities.
But Mack likely isn’t Thomas’s issue on Sunday; instead he’ll line up against Robert Quinn making his season’s debut for Chicago.
So what gives with this offense? Is the jury still out? Oh, that’s right: Jason Garrett is the new Offensive Coordinator. Maybe there’s significant improvement and penetration from the backfield, but it’s an uphill battle facing two of the NFL’s toughest defenses to kick off the 2020 campaign.
Speaking of that defense…
It’s good. It’s very, very good.
Khalil Mack got his fair share of pressures on Matthew Stafford last Sunday, but it arguably wasn’t the strongest of performances against a withering o-line. The addition of Quinn on the other side hopefully alleviates the emphasis teams put on stopping Mack, but that starts with #52 returning to 2018 form. Getting to the quarterback is the name of the game for this pass rush. Pressure Jones into mistakes and allow the secondary to feast and take advantage.
That’s easier said than done, especially when the containment of one of the league’s most talented rushers looms in the backfield, but quarterback play should determine the legitimacy and success of the Monsters of the Midway.
Anything to note on Special Teams?
The Bears officially signed Cairo Santos to the active roster from the practice squad on Wednesday. Elevated and active for Week 1, Santos was flawless on Sunday inside Ford Field. How the 28-year-old performs in the elements of a swirling wind off of Lake Michigan could create an interesting situation for Chicago. With Eddy Pineiro sidelined through at least Week 3 with a lingering groin injury, Santos could kick himself into a permanent position on the roster if he finds success over the next two weeks.
Let’s Talk About Bets, Baby.
Odds courtesy of PointsBet Sportsbook – Illinois
Chicago finds themselves favored 5.5 ahead of kickoff on Sunday. The casinos see a low scoring affair with a total set at 42.0. If you’re not confident in Chicago’s ability to build off of their fourth quarter comeback against Detroit a week previous, you can find the moneyline for New York set at +195, while Chicago sits pretty at -245.
PointsBet also has various “crowd boosters” to hike engagement with the recent legalization of gambling in Illinois. You can bet a maximum of $25 on the Bears to cover +89 with a boosted +100 odds.
IF you’re looking for helping hand, here’s my bet slip for Sunday’s matinee:
- Chicago (-5.5)
- Mitchell Trubisky o300 passing yards (+210)
Looking for more tips? Pad your wallet, line your pockets and listen to the Campus Cover’s Week 2 preview: