Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears: Keys to the Game

Jeff Joniak, WBBM Reporting

FOURTH PHASE
Every team in the league has enjoyed a home game with the exception of the Bears.

It is time to welcome them home with a raucous response. Soldier Field should be known as a snake pit for visiting teams. Deafening noise helps the Bears defense, and a measured tone will guide the offense.

It is up to the team to give the fans something to cheer about during the game. Under Lovie Smith, the Bears are 19-and-13 at home.

The Bucs lost their road opener at New Orleans.

ORTON IMPACT
Hurt by seven penalties, two Greg Olsen fumbles, poor field position, and minimal production on first down, the Bears offense stalled on the bulk of their drives in Carolina.

Minimizing mistakes will give Kyle Orton a chance to be a difference maker. Execution on big play situations also requires proper down and distance. This offense is capable of playing smarter and with more focus.

Orton also likes playing at home, where he has won eight in a row and boasts a 9-and-1 career record as a starter.

STOP THE “G” FORCE
In the likely absence of veteran receiver Joey Galloway, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely lean on the running game and the well-informed play of their veteran quarterback. Former University of Florida running back Earnest Graham took over for the injured Cadillac Williams last season, performed, earned himself a new contract, and is off to a great start in 2008. He teams with Warrick Dunn for a quality 1-2 punch.

The Bears have to take away the run from the Bucs, as they did last week in Carolina until Jonathan Stewart cranked it up for the Panthers. Graham is averaging 8.3 yards per carry on the strength of a 68-yard touchdown run against the Falcons. He is a low center of gravity runner, who will bounce off hits. He needs to be tackled and put down.

The Bucs have won all four games Graham has hit a 100 yards rushing.

SUPERIOR SPECIAL TEAMS
Bidding to become the first team in the league to rank first in special teams three consecutive seasons, the Bears must use this excellence to their advantage.

Even if Devin Hester does not play due a rib injury, the Bears have capable return specialists dotting the roster. From Danieal Manning, to Rashied Davis, to Nathan Vasher, to Garrett Wolfe, to Earl Bennett, the Bears should be able to cobble together a strong return game.

In a game like this, hidden yardage is going to be a factor in the outcome. The Bears coverage units have to be disciplined and not be burned by Tampa speedster Dexter Jackson. He is a rookie, and he could be forced into rookie mistakes.

Robbie Gould and Brad Maynard become focal points in terms of field position and execution in the kicking game.

WIN IN THE TRENCHES
This expects to be a close, physical game. In the first two games, the Bears have received high marks for their play along the line of scrimmage. Tampa’s offensive line is not as physical and imposing as Carolina’s, so the Bears defensive line should be able to make some plays. Atlanta enjoyed some success up front from the inside tackles against the Bucs.

The Bears offensive line will have to neutralize Gaines Adams, a power end with run stuffing and pass rushing ability. He is the key to their front along with three-technique defensive tackle Jovan Haye.

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