The NFL season is an evolving state of affairs, and week 12 finds your Chicago Bears at 7-3 and alone in first place in the NFC North. The simple fact that those words could be true as December nears is indicative of the massive impact Ben Johnson and his coaching staff have made at Soldier Field. But can the Bears keep it going this week against the current AFC North Pittsburgh Steelers?
In this weekly series, I’ll be featuring one player from each team on each side of the ball who I believe to be integral
to their respective team’s success. It’s not always about the quarterback or superstar defensive players like Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. Importance is all relative, and while the “star” players are obviously important each week, this series will also highlight some of the other guys.
Because let’s face it, often, the unsung players are just as critical to the team’s success.
Here are the players that I will be keyed in on in this one.
Let’s get started with the Chicago Bears!
Offense: DJ Moore, WR
Going against the grain here with this selection, I just have a feeling about DJ this week. His rugged play style reminds me of former Steeler all-time great Hines Ward. He also has the lowest yards per route run of Chicago’s top three WRs, meaning Ben Johnson likes to get him the ball quick on short passes near the line of scrimmage. Considering the Steelers have one of the top Edge rusher trios in the league (18 sacks combined between Watt, Herbig, and Highsmith), I am anticipating a heavy dose of the quick game when we pass to complement our run game this week.
Yes, I do believe play action will be key and guys like Loveland and Burden III will get some big plays, but this feels like a game where DJ gets the most targets and his YAC game ignites the team. If DJ can do just that, I expect the pass rush of Pittsburgh to be mitigated and the offense to put up points. If not, hopefully the run game is clicking because this figures to be as physical a game as we have seen all year.
Defense: Jaquan Brisker, S
Continuing with the theme of ‘physicality’ this week, Brisker gets the nod on Defense, largely because Chicago will be without their top 3 LBs and Brisker plays the Safety position more like a LB sometimes and will likely be leaned on to do just that in week 12. I hope Brisker is ready for this physical battle as he likely won’t get many plays off. Pittsburgh runs more 12 and 13 personnel than almost any team, meaning they deploy 2 and 3 TEs on offense more than most teams.
On run plays, that means 6’5”, 260lb Pat Freiermuth, 6’3”, 250lb Jonnu Smith and 6’7”, 310lb (!) Darnell Washington barrelling down on the safety to open up lanes for RBs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. In the pass game, those same imposing bodies will be running routes, catching passes and looking to run over the closest DB. Brisker figures to be that DB and if he can impose his physicality and make some plays on the ball in coverage against the slower TEs, Chicago should hold Pitt’s offense. If not, or if he gets bullied, then I expect the whole D to get bullied by the current AFCN leaders.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Offense: Kenneth Gainwell, RB
Despite being RB2 in Pittsburgh behind Jaylen Warren, Gainwell leads the team with 3 rushing TDs, is tied for most total TDs on the team with 5 and has the second most targets and receptions in the passing game. The former Philadelphia Eagle and Memphis Tiger is a weapon that Steelers OC Arthur Smith likes to work his offense through. Considering Chicago is down to their 4th and 5th LBs, I expect this trend to continue and would not be surprised if Gainwell leads the Steelers in targets this week against the Bears.
It will be the first real test for rookie Ruben Hyppolite II who has only seen the field for 18 total snaps so far this season with zero coming after week 3. If Hyppolite and co. can clamp down on Gainwell in the passing game, I like Chicago’s chances. If not, I expect this to be a physical game with both offenses grinding the ball and the clock and would not be surprised if the Steelers eeked out a huge road W. Either way, keep an eye on #14 in White and Yellow.
Defense: Jalen Ramsey, S
At one point considered the top Cornerback in the entire league, Ramsey has enjoyed a lengthy career with 4 different NFL teams. With his agility and quickness clearly diminishing, teams had been able to find WRs open when covered by Ramsey in recent seasons. Then a move to Safety this season seems to have lengthened his career and impact on the field. Spitting incident aside, Ramsey has been a thorn in the sides of opposing offenses. His football IQ, straight-line speed, and physicality have been maximized at the Safety spot, and he must be accounted for on every play. With an elite pass-rush, Ramsey has been able to quickly clamp down on opposing pass-catchers and impose his will, currently the only non LB in the top-3 in total tackles for Pittsburgh.
If Caleb Williams can get the ball to his WRs and TEs in space and the Bears OL can open holes for the RBs, I like their chances to outrun the 1oth year pro. But if Ramsey seems a step or two ahead of the offense, then his physicality could not only set the tone for the Steelers D, but it could also get in the head of the Chicago offense who has yet to really face an antagonist like Ramsey so far this season. With such a physical game to be expected, the post-whistle chatter will be something to monitor. Hopefully, Ben has his team ready for this, and no penalties come from such behavior, but Ramsey figures to be at the center of it all this week in Chicago.
Which players on both sides will you be keying on against the Steelers? Let us know in the comments!
Recap from Week 11:
Bears O – Colston Loveland, TE: 3 catches for 40 yards on 4 targets including a clutch 3rd and long conversion.
Bears D – Montez Sweat, DE: 2 tackles, 1 PD, 1 QBH.
Vikes O – Aaron Jones, RB: 16 carries for 70 yards along with 3 catches for 11 yards on 6 targets and no scores.
Vikes D – Dallas Turner, DE: 7 tackles, 1 Sack, 2 TFL, 1 PD, 3 QBH.
Remember, there’s a near-zero chance of a Bears win when all four players perform in a way that favors the opponent. Here, we keep track of weeks past to see how things unfolded:
Week 1: Loveland, Jarrett, Mason, Metellus – Vikes owned 75% this week. Perhaps 100%. L
Week 2: Jackson, Edmunds, Gibbs, Branch – Again, we were owned in 75% this week, maybe 100%. L
Week 3: Moore, Dexter Sr., Pickens, Sanborn – Finally, we dominated in all phases. At least 75% in our favor. W
Week 4: Swift, Brisker, Jeanty, Chinn – I’d say we went 2-2 here and barely squeaked away with the win. W
Week 6: Benedet, Spidey, Deebo, Payne – Split at a minimum but I say 75% in our favor. W
Week 7: Burden, Byard, Shaheed, Werner – Easily secured 3/4 of these for the win that was not as close as score would indicate. W
Week 8: Loveland, Billings, Henry, Roquan – 0/4 – L
Week 9: Monangai, Booker, Chase, Knight – 3/4 , arguably all 4 if you consider Chase’s numbers. – W
Week 10: Benedet, Edmunds, Tracy Jr., Lawrence – 3/4 , arguably all 4 if you consider o sacks allowed. – W
Week 11: Loveland, Sweat, Jones, Turner – 2/4 maybe. Went down to the wire. – W
The people have spoken, and I can absolutely understand why, as Theo has been the one weak link on the offense this season, and goes up against one of the top pass-rushing teams in the league. Theo will undoubtedly be critical, but I personally expect Ben Johnson to scheme around his young LT this week. It will be interesting to see, no doubt. Did I get it right with DJ? Or did I overthink the obvious choice?
On Defense, we all agree. The “Midway Monster” will be huge against Pittsburgh. It would be nice to see a big game from the former Penn State Nittany Lion. And key for a Bears win.
