INDIANAPOLIS — Three keys for the Bears to win Sunday’s game against the Colts:
Play from ahead
In two games this season, the Bears have led for just seven minutes and 35 seconds — the span of time from Tyrique Stevenson’s Week 1 pick-six until the final gun. For the sake of their rookie quarterback and their sputtering run game, the Bears need to go ahead early against the Colts.
Protect the QB
After allowing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to get sacked seven times in Houston, the Bears need to protect him better. That means better execution along the offensive line against stunts and overload blitzes, but also finding a way to get the ball out of his hands quickly. That should mean handoffs, screens or short throws. The Colts have the worst run defense in the NFL.
Slow down Taylor
The Bears have allowed only 215 rushing yards, the second-fewest in the NFL by one yard. The Colts’ Jonathan Taylor, though, might be the best running back the Bears face all season. If Taylor has early success son read option plays, it will open up running lanes for quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose speed and propensity to turn the ball over make him the game’s biggest X-factor.