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Foot US – NFL – Quarterback under pressure, performing running backs … Chicago, the art of compensation

Opposed this Sunday to the Aaron Rodgers Packers (7 p.m., live on L’Équipe), Chicago has shown many qualities since the start of the season, despite a rookie quarterback in the learning phase.

A quarterback under pressure
Justin Fields had surely dreamed of a baptism a little less harsh. Considered one of the biggest potential quarterbacks, the Bears rookie (22), 11th pick in the last draft, is having a difficult start in the NFL. After only three games played in full, he already has 14 sacks, the fourth biggest total in the league. For his first match as a starter, at the end of September, he had been minced by the defenders of Cleveland, conceding nine tackles, and one straight loss, 26-6. But its shortcomings are not only highlighted by the opposing defensive lines. Justin Fields is also struggling to talk his right arm, yet so effective with the Ohio State Buckeyes, whom he had taken to the final of the College Championship in 2021.

In the results of the first five meetings of the regular season, Chicago is the worst team in the pass, with 566 yards gained in the air. By way of comparison, the penultimate rank, New Orleans, totals 847. Overwhelmed by statistics, Fields does not however have the best conditions to perform from the start. If he only completed 51% of his passes, it’s also because his receiving squad lacks depth, and hasn’t leveled up yet. The leader Allen Robinson II, who has exceeded 1000 yards in the last two seasons, is still far from his usual standards (180 yards).

Offensive versatility
A struggling quarterback very often goes hand in hand with a sinking team. However, the Bears have a decent record (3-2), including victories against the Bengals (20-17) and the Raiders (20-9), the result of real offensive versatility. To support Justin Fields, the Chicago running backs took matters into their own hands, scoring 5 of the team’s 8 touchdowns. David Montgomery, for his third professional season, is the great craftsman of this powerful ground game, with his two matches at more than 100 yards. ” Players and staff are in the process of creating a new playing identity Enthused head coach Matt Nagy after the trip to Las Vegas.

In an NFL marked by failed kickers, Chicago also has the chance to have a sure foot. While the league has just recorded a record weekend, with 12 missed field goals and as many touchdown conversions passed next to the poles, Cairo Santos, him, continues his flawless. Very reliable, the Bears kicker succeeded in his 16 attempts of the season, ensuring a gain of 30 points. Taking into account the previous year, his series even extends to 34 consecutive field goals, the team’s record, close to that, all franchises combined, held by Adam Vinatieri (44).

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An iron defense
A renowned defense for several years, Chicago has started the 2021 season on a solid footing. With an average of 20 points conceded per game, the Bears occupy 7th place in the defense standings, and can thus afford victories without registering more than 25 points, current glass ceiling. Spurred on by Khalil Mack (30), Matt Nagy’s players put a lot of pressure on the opposing quarterback, and already have 18 sacks. “ When you play against Chicago you know what kind of day awaits you, laughed Aaron Rodgers, who will lead the Packers’ offense on Sunday. They’ve always played well together, I think that’s one of the top five defenses in the league. »

Alongside Mack, NFL star with a juicy contract, the Bears line up other strong linebackers, including Roquan Smith (50 tackles, 5th overall in the league) and Alec Ogletree (30 tackles). The front seven are particularly effective in the last 20 yards, with only six touchdowns conceded in the redzone. To hope for a third consecutive victory on Sunday, but also to raise its level sustainably, Chicago will have to upgrade its passing game, while retaining its defensive gains. The potential is there, but adaptation can take time.

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