The Jets will have their hands full this Sunday when they look to get back in the win column against the Bears.
This is because the Bears, losers of their last two, will be in a foul mood.
Chicago’s 38-31 loss to the Patriots, last week, was about as tough as it gets. Quarterback Mitchell Tribisky’s 54-yard Hail Mary, on the final play of the game, was caught by wide receiver Kevin White. But New England’s defense made sure White came up one yard short of the end zone and potentially tying the game. Ouch!
The losing streak has been costly for Chicago in the standings. They’ve gone from first place in the NFC North to a third-place tie with Detroit.
While Chicago’s offense has put up impressive numbers, it’s their defense, however, which has been struggling to hold up their end. The Bears have given up 69 points in the last two games.
It should be noted that special teams did play a role in that point total; they gave up 14 points to New England. But it’s still a clear indication there’s a problem.
That problem could be health-related.
Star linebacker Khalil Mack is dealing with an injured right ankle that’s limited his All-Pro ability. It’s no coincidence Chicago’s defense is struggling without Mack’s explosive pass rush. He had four sacks during their three-game win streak and was every bit the playmaker they traded heaven and earth to acquire.
But don’t think the Bears aren’t aware they’re facing a rookie quarterback this Sunday, especially one who’s coming off his worst game.
This is where the Jets, specifically Sam Darnold, will have to keep his head on a swivel.
Darnold was 17 –for-42 for 206 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions in Sunday’s 37-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He struggled without his go-to receiver, Quincy Enunwa, and didn’t get much help from the running game.
The Bears still have a top-ranked defense when it comes to turnovers. They’re tied for first in the NFL with 11 interceptions on the season. Chicago’s had at least one interception in each of their last six games.
When the Jets can’t get their run game going it puts an extra load on Darnold which he’s handled with mixed results. The rookie made some good throws and some really bad ones. Chicago’s defense has the ability to turnover opponents and take it to the house for points.
Darnold could be walking into a cave Sunday without a lifeline. The Jets, already missing Enunwa, are thin at wide receiver. But the loss of running back Bilal Powell is a huge blow to the offense.
Powell, along with Isaiah Crowell, were the 1-2 punch in the backfield for New York. But Powell’s neck injury, suffered in the loss to Minnesota, has landed him on injured reserve and could be career-threatening.
No run game, an injury-depleted team, and coming off an ugly loss spells trouble for Darnold and the Jets.
The Bears, even with Mack not at 100 percent, will be licking their chops at the sight of a rookie quarterback with limited options.
If Gang Green isn’t careful, it could be a long day in Ch-Town.