Chicago Bears: 5 Players who must shine vs. Raiders in Week 5

Chase Daniel needs to continue to step in for Trubisky

If you haven’t noticed yet, there is a pattern in my picks so far. If the offensive line shines, then that leads to an opportunity for the running game to shine. If the running game shines, then that leads to an opportunity for the quarterback to shine. Chase Daniel has to have another good game.

I don’t think that Daniel needs to have 300+ passing yards and four touchdown passes to help the team win (though if he does, it’ll be smooth sailing for the Bears). He needs to do what he did in Week 4 against the Vikings. If he can get 200-260 yards passing and get a touchdown pass (or two), then the Chicago Bears will be in good shape. He needs to do what he can to have long drives as he did in the first half of that game.

The first drive was nearly perfect (except for Trubisky going down). The Bears took the ball down the field, scored a touchdown, and milked over seven minutes off the clock. A couple of drives like that this week and it’ll be difficult for the Raiders to win.

Some wondered why Daniel was Trubisky’s backup. They felt that there were better options around the league to step in if needed. Daniel, however, has a lot of experience in Nagy’s offense. He knows it forward and backward. He might not have the abilities that Trubisky has, but he understands what he needs to do with the ball. He found some open receivers and threw pinpoint passes, giving those receivers an opportunity to make the catch.

No, he won’t be able to roll out of the pocket and throw a pass 30 yards off his back foot for a touchdown, but he’ll find another way to get the ball to that receiver. He’s a savvy veteran who won’t succeed as a longtime starter but will do well in a pinch. He needs to do it again this week.