The Chicago Bears are focused on one game at a time. That is the proper way to approach this season for them. They've reached 5-3 and want to be 6-3 by the end of the weekend. For that, they must get past the New York Giants on Sunday at Soldier Field. It isn't an easy task. Despite their 2-7 record, the Giants have looked like a competitive team in spurts. They beat the Eagles a few weeks ago and should've crushed the Denver Broncos before a wild 4th quarter collapse. If you're not careful, they will beat you. Ben Johnson isn't that naive. He will be ready.
We all know the Bears' head coach has never disguised his plan. His goal every week is to run the football well. That won't change against a Giants defense that is second-worst in the NFL against the run. In fact, Johnson may not just have a plan for their entire defense. There is a reasonable chance he may target a specific player. That is middle linebacker Bobby Okereke. The 29-year-old has been brutal against the run this season, ranking 47th out of 50 linebackers in run defense grade. He has eight missed tackles, which is the most in the league.
Ben Johnson will likely force Okereke to read and react.
Great coaches study lots of film. They can almost always identify which players they should be able to exploit, whether it's running the ball or in coverage. There is no question that Okereke is the guy Ben Johnson will highlight as a target. Though a good athlete and a veteran, he has been a liability for the Giants since they moved him to middle linebacker. He was initially an outside guy earlier in his career. The Bears have had lots of success with outside-zone and misdirection concept. Expect a heavy dose of those since Okereke has struggled with them this season, particularly against the San Francisco 49ers.
Don't be surprised if you see Kyle Monangai get past him a few times in this game. Much will depend on how well the offensive line executes the game plan. If it's anything like what happened in Cincinnati, the Giants might be in for a long day.
