Chicago Bears Week 7: What To Look For

Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Bears offensive line must protect Jay Cutler from the Dolphins’ pass rush.

The Chicago Bears have used four different offensive line combinations in the six weeks they have played this season. After using the starters for all 16 games last year, they have been together for only the opening week.

This week Jermon Bushrod is expected to be back, meaning this may be the second time the starters will be together. Cutler will be happy to see his blindside protector back. He looked a lot more comfortable last week when center Roberto Garza returned from a high ankle sprain.

In the past two games, Cutler has been sacked seven times. Aside from that, he has taken a lot of big hits after releasing the ball. The line has to keep the Dolphins front four from getting pressure on Cutler.

In their victory against the New England Patriots, the Dolphins had success getting to Tom Brady with their four rushers. Being that successful without having to bring in anyone else allowed the Phins to keep seven in the secondary. Brady was not able to find an open man because of that, and he struggled, especially in the second half.

The Bears may need to send help on the right side. Tackle Jordan Mills has been struggling this season, trying to come back from offseason foot surgery. He will be going up against Cameron Wake, so a tight end may need to go and chip him, helping Mills.

The Bears’ offensive line has to handle the Dolphins pass rush. If Miami has to send in linebackers or safeties on blitzes, then that will open the field up for the receivers.