Chicago Bears: 5 Bold predictions for Week 3 vs. Cardinals

Tarik Cohen breaks out

When Matt Nagy came to Chicago, many thought that Tarik Cohen would have a big part of the offense. He’d play the same role as Kareem Hunt did with the Chiefs. He could provide big plays either on the ground or make catches from the backfield.

So far, however, he hasn’t done much. He has just nine rushes for 33 yards and four catches for 33 yards. He has played pretty well as a punt returner, garnering 103 yards on six returns (he had 272 yards on 29 returns last season).

This is the game where Cohen breaks out. He can take advantage of his speed and athleticism against a hurting Cardinals defense. Expect him to take a pass underneath and turn it into a big gain. Trubisky should have more time in the pocket to pick that defense apart and he’ll find Cohen to do that.

It’s important to get Cohen more involved in the offense. He’s the one who provides cover for the other receivers. If he grabs attention, it frees up space for the others. That ends up giving the offense a chance at big plays. Opposing defenses know that once he catches a pass underneath, he can turn it into a big play himself. He just gives the offense so many more options. We’ll see how that works in Arizona.

Cohen should be huge on special teams. He’ll break one out in this game. He’s come close on a couple of occasions already. He’ll demonstrate his exciting play on his returns.

Prediction: 4 catches, 72 yards; 7 carries, 32 yards, 1 punt return touchdown