Through four weeks, the Bears defense is playing absolutely lights-out football, placing in the top 5 for most defensive categories and limiting teams to just 11.3 points per game, trailing only the New England Patriots in that category.
Even in a tough divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings where many starters were sidelined, the unit kept QB Kirk Cousins and company from establishing any kind of rhythm and kept them out of the endzone for almost the entire game.
Now, facing an Oakland Raider offense who seemed to find their stride in last week’s win against the Indianapolis Colts, the Bears defense will once again look to shut down an opposing offense and lead the team into the bye week with a 4-1 record.
Here are 3 players who will be under the spotlight and facing big tests in Week 5.
1. ILB Roquan Smith
After missing Sunday’s game against the Vikings with a personal issue, ILB Roquan Smith is back at practice and confirms he’s ready to roll against the Raiders. The Bears will need him as they’re facing a couple of talented players who could give them fits in the second level.
Rookie RB Josh Jacobs and TE Darren Waller have been the two biggest stars for the Oakland Raider offense through the first quarter of the season. Jacobs ranks 9th in the league in rushing yards (307) and is averaging 5 yards per carry. Waller, meanwhile, has been a top-tight end through 4 games, catching 33 passes and totaling 320 yards, good for 1st and 3rd in the NFL among tight ends, respectively. Smith may have his hands full and could be very active trying to slow those two playmakers down.
2. OLB Khalil Mack
The big storyline heading into the game will be the return of the (Khalil) Mack as the former Raider will face his team for the first time since being traded to Chicago.
While Mack certainly will be playing with a chip on his shoulder, he does face one of his toughest tests of the season. Mack will primarily square off with RT Trent Brown, the Raiders prized free agent signing this offseason. Brown, who signed the richest deal for an offensive lineman in NFL history, has played well so far in 2019. He’s allowed just 1 sack and has a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 75.9.
When Mack lined up against Brown last season when he was a member of the Patriots, he totaled just one tackle for the game. Granted, Mack was dealing with a high-ankle sprain and dropped into coverage more than usual, but Brown did his job in stopping the Bears rusher. Now healthy, Mack will look to exact revenge on not only his former team, but Brown as well.
3. CB Kyle Fuller
There are few certainties in the NFL but opposing QBs heavily targeting CB Kyle Fuller is one of them. Fuller has been thrown at 34 times, 14 more than CBs Prince Amukamara and Buster Skrine. He does have a couple of interceptions this season and continues to play at a high level, yet teams still tend to throw his way.
The receiver likely to be targeted is Raiders WR Tyrell Williams, who has scored a touchdown in each game so far in 2019. He’s second on the team in targets (24), catches (17) and yards (216) behind Waller. With Williams boasting big-play ability, Fuller will likely be the focus of Carr when throwing to his wide receivers.
