Chicago Bears: 3 Bold predictions vs. Buccaneers in Week 7

The Chicago Bears defense will make Brady uncomfortable again

Last season, the Chicago Bears were able to pull the upset dues to their defense. If they are to do it again, the defense has to come through once more.

Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn were all over Brady. It seemed as if Brady was looking up to one of them on nearly every snap. In fact, in an otherwise horrible season, this was Quinn’s best game.

The work this week might be more difficult. The Bears placed Quinn on the COVID list. There is still a possibility that he plays if he tests negative twice within 24 hours.

Even if he isn’t playing, that gives second-year player Trevis Gipson an opportunity. He’s played well in a limited number of snaps, recording sacks in the last two weeks. If Quinn is out, he’ll see a lot more snaps, likely splitting time with Christian Jones.

This has to be a team effort. Eddie Goldman, Akiem Hicks, and Bilal Nichols have to come up big on the defensive line. Smith, Alec Ogletree, and Danny Trevathan have to man the middle.

The Bears lead the league in sacks. They’ve done that despite ranking just 29th in blitz percentage. Perhaps they gamble a little and blitz more. They’ll have to get to Brady, however, because he’ll burn them if they don’t.

Prediction: The defense records 3 sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.