Bears vs. Rams: 3 crucial matchups to watch for Chicago
By Ryan Heckman
No. 1: Cooper Kupp vs. Buster Skrine
Who, in their right mind, would have predicted a game with zero catches last week for Cooper Kupp? In the contest against the Steelers last week, Kupp had exactly that: Zero catches, zero yards. Incredible, right?
With that in mind, I can assure you this: Kupp is getting the ball Sunday night. He’ll be targeted early and often, especially because of the way teams can beat this Bears defense.
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In Chuck Pagano’s system, you might have noticed how defensive backs play off the receivers quite a bit. If Kupp is given space in the slot, it’s game over.
Chicago’s new slot corner for 2019 has had quite a season, though. Buster Skrine has been a bright spot for the Bears this year, which many thought wasn’t going to happen. After he came over from the Jets, a lot of fans pointed to his aggressiveness and tendency to be beaten and questioned what Pace was thinking with this signing.
In fact, I believe I remember several fans specifically tweeting out something like: “Duke Shelley will be the starting slot corner by midseason.”
Well, that hasn’t happen — nor will it. Skrine has been strong in the slot this year. Per Pro Football Focus, there are 78 qualifying corners in terms of yards-per-target metrics. Skrine checks in at the NFL’s third-best, allowing just 4.6 yards per target.
Kupp is one of the league’s best receivers, and maybe the NFL’s top slot receiver. I don’t see him finishing with zero receptions for a second-straight game. Skrine has his work cut out for him.