Prediction, Three keys to Bears-Giants matchup |
The frustrating season for the Bears continued last week as an injury to Mitch Trubisky leaves more questions than answers heading into week 12. With every game a must-win from here on out, the Bears are fortunate to see a Giants team struggling with a 2-8 record. Ultimately, I still find it a long shot for Chicago to make the playoffs, but a loss here would be the final nail in the coffin for them. Here are three things to look for in week 12.
Right now, the status on Trubisky is still up in the air as the Bears are playing it day by day. It appears Chase Daniel is slated to start Sunday, but Chicago doesn’t want to rule anything out regarding Trubisky. Should Mitch indeed get the call, one thing to keep an eye on will be his overall mobility inside and outside the pocket. Part of his strengths as a QB is his ability to move around a little bit and create things using his legs. With a hip injury sustained last week, how much will that mobility be limited this week? Keeping him in the pocket will be ideal for the Giants.
By now, it is no secret that the Bears offense is bad, and that may be putting it lightly. However, the Bears may have met their match in terms of getting the offense back on track as the Giants defense ranks near the bottom in yards per play, yards allowed, and big plays allowed. That makes it seem like the Bears should be able to have their way with the Giants. Until we can consistently see the offense move the ball and create big plays, we cannot take anything into assumption. However, if there was ever a game for the Bears to look like the team, we expected them to look like, this would be the week. The Giants have been a dumpster fire much of the season, and their defensive side of the ball has been the key reason why. Teams have been able to move the ball at will, and when on the field, the Giant's defense looks like a levy breaking allowing floodwaters to rush through. I agree the Bears offense isn’t going to be as flashy as some teams, but they do have the playmakers to make something happen, and Chicago needs that to happen to be successful.
The Giants selected Jones as the sixth pick in the draft this year as the team's future starting QB. Well, the future came sooner than what most expected as Eli Manning was benched for Jones earlier this season, handing the keys over to what the Giants hope is their next long-term signal caller. Despite Jones showing significant signs of growth throughout the season, Jones is still a rookie, and some of the mistakes have shown. Not only can he make plays with his arm, but he has surprising speed and has used his legs to make things happen also. Ultimately, the Giants offense will live and die by what Saquon Barkley does out of the backfield as he is one of the game’s premier RB. The more touches Barkley gets, the more comfortable Jones gets as he doesn’t have to carry the load. We know that Barkley will get his touches, but the key is limiting the big plays from him in the process. The quicker you can slow him down, the sooner the offense will have to shift gears to Jones and put the ball in his hands. With a defense the Bears bring to the table, I don’t think Jones will be able to put the team on his back, and it ultimately could be a turnover fest by the end.
I have high hopes regardless of who is at QB this week as the Giants are just plain bad. With that being said, they will still be able to make some plays in their own rights, keeping things close for at least one half. By the time the second half rolls around, Chicago should start to impose their will as they will control the clock and make the Giants one dimensional down the stretch. Look for Chicago to come away with a 27 -17 win with the offense playing maybe its most complete game of the season.1. Mitch Trubisky’s mobility (if he plays)
Get big plays
Make Daniel Jones beat you
Prediction
