Chicago Bears: Bryce Callahan is a key player vs. Miami Dolphins

The Chicago Bears face off against the Miami Dolphins in week six, and a key player may be someone you would not immediately guess.

The Chicago Bears come back from their bye week for a showdown in Miami with the Dolphins. It’s a matchup with two teams going in different directions. The Bears have won three games in a row, while the Dolphins have lost two straight games. Having said that, the Dolphins should be defeated on Sunday. However, the Bears will need to be conditioned for the humidity and not take the Dolphins lightly.

The Dolphins have some familiar faces in head coach Adam Gase and offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, who of course came from the Bears. Knowing Gase’s history, we can pick up on one key aspect of his offense to try and take away.

For years, Gase has repeatedly run wide receiver screens. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that he wants to get the ball out quickly to help his offensive line.

The Dolphins lost their starting left guard Josh Sitton and starting center Daniel Kilgore. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil should play this week, despite sustaining a concussion last week vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

Having said that, since the Bears will be rushing Eddie Goldman, Khalil Mack, Leonard Floyd and Akiem Hicks, the Dolphins will want to continue that trend of getting the ball out quickly in order to make sure quarterback Ryan Tannehill makes it out of the game in one piece.

So, expect a lot of wide receiver screens and sweeps. I haven’t seen a team run more of them than the Dolphins. However, the Bears have the perfect remedy for that — Bryce Callahan. He has been tremendous all season with blowing up receiver screens. Callahan ranks in the top five on the team in tackles with 14 and has one tackle for loss. He is not afraid to stick his head in there and make a play, which says a lot about a nickel corner.

You know Callahan is counted upon, based on his usage and the amount of times defensive coordinator Vic Fangio uses nickel defense. It’s also a benefit that cornerback Kyle Fuller is extremely physical and not afraid to get up close and personal. I hadn’t seen this mentality from Callahan prior to this year, so it’s fair to wonder if he got it from watching Fuller play.

Regardless, Callahan will be one of the Bears’ key players on Sunday in both coverage and in tackling. If he is able to put an end to those screen plays, it will be a long day for the Dolphins offense.