Bears vs. Jaguars: 3 Key Concepts for a Bears Victory

Offensively, the Jaguars rank 21st in points scored and 15th in yards. Their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, struggled through the first four games of the season before putting up 371 yards and two touchdowns against the Indianapolis Colts last week. Hopefully, that was just a blip on the radar and not a full-blown turnaround. Bears On Tap talked through the Jaguars roster and how the Bears could attack them, which is available on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. These three concepts will be paramount to the Bears' ability to emerge victorious on Sunday.

3. Let It Rip

The Jaguars' defensive backs have been burned often through the first five games of the season. The team is missing its top corner Tyson Campbell, who is currently on injured reserve. On average, the Jaguars have allowed opposing passers to throw for 287 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.

Jaguars Explosive Passes Allowed through Week 5

With the talent the Bears have at wide receiver and tight end, they should be able to generate explosive gains through the air on Sunday. They need to let Caleb Williams rip it downfield whenever he sees an opportunity. Even though Trevor Lawrence has gotten off to a rough start this year, he is still a very talented passer. I have a hard time counting him out of any game or situation. I want to see the Bears put up points, get stops, and pile on more points. Don't give them the chance to hang around.

2. Keep the Edges Clean

The idea of airing it out only works if the offensive tackles can maintain their position against the power rushers the Jaguars employ. If the pocket is constantly being crushed, the downfield passing game will suffer. Braxton Jones has had trouble with power rushers his entire career, and the Jaguars have a quartet of power players who rotate on the EDGE. 

While you might look at Roy Robertson-Harris and Arik Armstead and say they are defensive tackles, they play outside enough to gameplan for on the EDGE. Robertson-Harris has played 101 of his 184 snaps either head up on the tackle or outside the tackle while Armstead has played 135 of his 168 snaps either head up on the tackle or outside the tackle.

Jaguars EDGE Players

While Darnell Wright should be able to hold his own against these players, his back injury does give me a little concern. It seems like the injury he is playing through has impacted his anchor or endurance, even if just a little bit. Against the power rushers, the Jaguars are throwing at the Bears' offense, which could be trouble.

The Bears will need to use scheme to help their tackles in this game. The Jaguars' interior defensive line is not notably powerful or talented against the run, so the opportunity to take shots off play action should be there. Additionally, the interior offensive line should be able to manage the push from the defensive tackles well enough to give Williams room to step up.

1. Don't Overthink It

It is easy to overplan for changing conditions in this game. The Bears will be playing on a soccer field. The surface is different, and that can impact traction, speed, agility, and play results. It is okay to make adjustments for the playing surface, stadium conditions, player fatigue, and whatever other issues might arise from playing overseas. But don't overthink it.

It is still a football game. A controlled fight. In these games overseas, the team that wants it more and brings the strongest punch tends to win. That is a bill the Bears have fit so far this year. So don't over-scheme for the conditions and circumstances over there. Scheme to your strengths and the Jaguars' weaknesses, trusting the talent to do what it does on an even playing field. Just go out there and play football.

Players to Watch

Montez Sweat: The Bears EDGE rusher will line up against the Jaguars right tackle RT Anton Harrison all game long. Harrison ranks 66th in PFF grade for qualifying offensive tackles. Coming out of Oklahoma, I saw Harrison as more of a finesse blocker. Sweat has made a habit of winning against finesse blockers throughout his career.

Kyler Gordon: The Bears nickel corner has a tough assignment this week. He will be asked to fill run fits without the help of Jaquan Brisker behind him, while also being aware of the vertical threat in the slot that is Christian Kirk. Gordon playing an error-free game this week goes a long way toward a Bears win.

Keenan Allen: Look, the Jaguars know they got embarrassed by speed last week. This week, they have a national audience, and I expect them to play more conservatively to avoid getting beaten deep. That means that Keenan Allen could have opportunities underneath on option routes. His veteran presence could be a big factor on foreign soil, as well.