Ebony Bird
FanSided

Ravens vs. Bears: Conversation with Bears Goggles On

By Chris Schisler

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 09: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 and Tre McBride #18 of the Chicago Bears celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 09: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 and Tre McBride #18 of the Chicago Bears celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Chicago Bears 20-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 09: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after losing to the Minnesota Vikings 20-17 at Soldier Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 09: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field after losing to the Minnesota Vikings 20-17 at Soldier Field on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

Ebony Bird: What is the biggest strength of the Bears? How does this strength match up against the Ravens? 

BGO: The Bears biggest strength is their defense.  At the start of the season, I used to qualify that and say their front-seven, but their secondary has emerged as a strength as well.  In fact, the front-seven has taken a hit with some injuries to their linebacking corps, losing Jerrell Freeman and Willie Young to IR while backup linebackers John Timu and Nick Kwiatkowski deal with injuries.  Meanwhile, the revamped secondary with rookie Eddie Jackson and Adrian Amos (filling in for injured Quentin Demps) have done a nice job.  Cornerback suddenly appears to be a strength with free agent additions Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper Sr. fitting in well with a resurgent Kyle Fuller.  Fuller, a former first round draft pick, missed the entire 2016 season but is having a bounce-back season playing a physical brand of cornerback.

I expect the Bears defense will try to shut down the Ravens rushing attack so they can come after Joe Flacco and dare him to beat them.  The Bears have been really solid defensively for the most part, but communication issues seem to lead to that one big play, like the Austin Hooper Week 1 touchdown or Jerrick McKinnon’s long run last week.

What is the Bears biggest weakness? How can the Ravens exploit it? 

BGO: The Bears passing game is clearly their weakness.  The Ravens shouldn’t have to try too hard to take the Bears wide receivers out of the game.  Their top receiver is probably Kendall Wright, who has all of 200 yards and one TD in five games.  Part of the Bears passing game is the rookie quarterback.  They can give him some different looks and bait him into making mistakes.  I expect Trubisky to see a lot of chaos from the Ravens defense.  If he can avoid the initial rush and extend plays with his mobility, maybe the Bears can hit a big one.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: 3 reasons they will beat the Bears

I expect to see a tough, defensive-minded game where one mistake could be the difference.  The Bears are league-worst in turnover ratio and their defense struggles to take the ball away.  If the Ravens get a couple of cheap turnovers and get in front of the Bears, it will be hard for them to catch up.  You didn’t ask for a prediction, but I’ll offer one anyway.  Ravens 19, Bears 16

EB: I want to give a big thanks to Mike Burzawa and Bear Goggles on for their help getting us ready for the game. It’s always good to get the perspective of a great FanSided blog. I also did a Q&A for Bear Goggles On, if you want to check that out. 

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