Chicago Bears Week 6: What To Look For

Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Time for Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston must start earning their pay.

The Bears’ defensive line has been very inconsistent. True, they are 11th in sacks, but it is when the sacks are happening. With the game on the line, the pass rush seems to disappear.

It also appears that the Bears’ sack totals take a hit when Willie Young takes a

breather. Of the 11 sacks the Bears have, Young has five of them.

Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen are guaranteed almost $40 million, yet neither has a sack yet. If they are doing what is expected of them, this would be a great line.

Matt Ryan has to be pressured. In the last two weeks, Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton were able to stand in the pocket and have time to find the open man, and both did exactly that. The Bears gave up six passing touchdowns in the last two games. With the weapons Ryan has, if he has time, he will be the third quarterback in a row to burn the Bears secondary. The defensive line has to stop that, and Allen and Houston must help Young.

The Falcons’ offensive line is missing three of their starting five offensive linemen. Guard Justin Blalock may be back, but he may not be at full strength, and even if he is, they are still down two linemen. The Bears must take advantage of that. If not, it may be a long day.