Behind Enemy Lines: Week 16 Q&A with Bears Wire
The playoffs are just weeks away for some teams, but the Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t one. Instead, the focus of their fans has been more towards the draft.
However, their Week 16 opponents, the Chicago Bears, could be a team that extends their season if they can be victorious Sunday. With the No. 8 seed in the NFC currently, the Bears could make the postseason although it would take some help even if they do what they have to do.
To get a little more intel on the Bears, we sat down with Bears Wire editor Alyssa Barbieri. Here are five burning questions she was able to answer for us as the Jags and Bears are set for their eighth meeting:
Jags Wire: One player Jags fans are quite familiar with is Allen Robinson. How do you think he’s performed this year and what are the chances that he’ll return to Chicago next season by your estimation?
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Alyssa Barbieri: Robinson has been the best player on the Bears' offense since he arrived in Chicago three years ago. What he’s been able to accomplish over the last two seasons has been nothing short of incredible. He’s recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and it’s made even more impressive considering he’s had Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles throwing to him. Bears fans are certainly hoping that Robinson returns to Chicago, but with each passing week that he goes unsigned, it becomes more and more likely that Robinson could walk. The Bears could put the franchise or transition tag on him, which seems likely.
JW: Since returning from the bench, Mitch Trubisky seems to be rolling. What has been the key with his turnaround?
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AB: This Bears coaching staff is finally adapting the offense to fit his strengths. It’s no coincidence that Chicago’s offense started to turn things around when Trubisky was reinstated into the starting line-up. The Bears offense finally has found an identity, which starts with running the football with David Montgomery. They’ve utilized Trubisky’s mobility and play-action to help alleviate pressure. Chicago has found a rhythm with Bill Lazor calling plays and an offensive line grouping that has found its groove.
JW: What would you say is the biggest weakness of this Bears team?
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) is upended by Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine (24) and cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) on a first down reception in the first quarter during their football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
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AB: If you asked me a month ago, I’d say overwhelmingly the offense. But with the offense being on a tear over the last few games, the issue has been, surprisingly, on defense. Chicago’s defense has allowed 28.8 points per game over the last four weeks, which is quite uncharacteristic of this defense. The Bears run defense has struggled over the last few weeks, which is concerning with James Robinson upcoming. But the Jaguars will have an opportunity against this Chicago secondary, which will be without two starting cornerbacks in rookie Jaylon Johnson and Buster Skrine with two inexperienced guys in Duke Shelley and Kindle Vildor filling the hole in the secondary.
JW: Who are some under-the-radar players to look for on offense and defense for Chicago?
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AB: Someone that’s been coming into his own lately has been rookie tight end Cole Kmet, who has eclipsed Jimmy Graham as the team’s top tight end. Kmet’s stats haven’t been flashy, which has a lot to do with his lack of involvement in the passing game this season. But he’s someone that has been a big part of this offensive revival over the last month. On defense, it’s been third-year defensive tackle Bilal Nichols that has impressed this season. He’s stepped up in the absence of nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out of the season due to COVID-19. Nichols has five sacks, six quarterback hits, 17 quarterback hurries and 26 stops this season.
JW: What are your predictions for the game?
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AB: At first glance, this game appears to have the makings of a trap game. But with the way this Bears team has been playing over the last few weeks, I have a hard time believing they expect any win to come easily at this point. Bears 34, Jaguars 13
