Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets: Complete Week 3 Preview for Chicago
After a surprising comeback victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football, the Chicago Bears are set to head to New Jersey in Week 3 to take on the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.
The Bears lead the all-time series against the Jets with a record of 7-3 and have won the last three contests.
Chicago is 27-35 all-time on Monday Night Football, including a 12-24 record on the road.
Despite coming back from a 17-point deficit against San Francisco, the Bears struggled to run the football. Running back Matt Forte finished with just 21 yards on 12 carries, and offensive lineman Kyle Long was not happy with their performance.
"I was embarrassed," Long said to the media, via Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com
The Bears will face a tough run defense on Monday night against the Jets, and Long knows they'll need to run the football.
"We need to run the ball," Long said. "I know we got the win on the road, and it was big. I'm sure everybody else in our room will echo that. So will Matt. You need to run the ball in the National Football League, and we'll be better at that."
The Jets allowed just 88.2 yards per game on the ground last season, good enough for third best in the NFL. They have dominated the first two weeks of the season against the run, allowing an average of just 52.5 yards per game.
If Long and the offensive line want to open up holes for Forte in the running game, they'll have to win the battle along the line of scrimmage against Jets defensive linemen Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Sheldon Richardson.
After a shaky start to the season with their loss to Buffalo, the Bears have a chance to build some momentum on Monday night. If they can establish the run and eliminate mistakes, they have a chance to head into Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers with a 2-1 record.
Here is our Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets Week 3 preview.
Chicago Bears Week 2 Recap
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The Chicago Bears headed into San Francisco in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football as a clear underdog after many experts predicted them to lose to the 49ers.
In surprising fashion, the Bears bounced back from a 17-0 deficit to defeat the 49ers by a final score of 28-20.
After struggling to find a rhythm offensively in the first half, Jay Cutler and the Bears scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including two from Brandon Marshall, before the defense came up with a big stop to keep the 49ers from forcing the game into overtime.
Cutler went 13-of-14 for 112 yards and three touchdowns in the second half and finished with 176 yards through the air with four touchdowns.
Defensively, rookie Kyle Fuller was the star of the game, hauling in two interceptions en route to being named NFC defensive player of the week, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times:
"#Bears CB Kyle Fuller named NFC defensive player of the week
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) September 17, 2014"
Fuller was thrust into a more prominent role when Charles Tillman went down with an injury Sunday night. Tillman tore his triceps and was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list, via Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times:
"#Bears make Charles Tillman move to IR official. Ruptured his right triceps.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) September 15, 2014"
With Tillman out, the team is going to have to lean on Fuller for the rest of the season.
Despite the injury to Tillman, the defense showed life in the second half and will face another difficult task in Week 3 against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.
News and Notes
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Time to Move on Without Charles Tillman
After placing Charles Tillman on the season-ending injured reserve list, the Bears are now set to move on without him.
The team will move forward with Kyle Fuller taking over Tillman's role, vacating a spot at the nickelback position.
The team moved quickly on Monday, elevating Isaiah Frey from the practice squad up to the 53-man roster, via Jeremy Stoltz of BearReport.com:
"#Bears have elevated CB Isaiah Frey and WR Rashad Ross to the 53-man roster. Waived RB Shaun Draughn and WR Chris Williams.
— Jeremy Stoltz (@BearReport) September 16, 2014"
Frey played all 16 games last season as the nickelback, finishing with 47 tackles and one pass defended.
The team also re-signed Demontre Hurst on Thursday after he was released following the team's Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, via Chicago Bears Radio Network side reporter Zach Zaidman:
"#Bears signed CB Demontre Hurst
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) September 18, 2014"
Hurst led the team with two special teams tackles against the Bills and will likely back up Frey at the nickelback position.
Bears Fully Support Brandon Marshall
Amid all the talk of Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy and others this week in the NFL for their actions that have warranted some form of discipline, the Chicago Bears have given their full support to Brandon Marshall.
Marshall has become a poster child for those who can turn their lives around after struggling with issues in their past.
The laundry list of incidents involving him in the past is long, but he has since been very open about his past, what he is doing to treat his issues and how to help others.
His past was put on display Wednesday afternoon when, according to Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times, high-profile lawyer Gloria Allred claimed that commissioner Roger Goodell did not properly investigate a handful of incidents from 2007 and 2008 involving Marshall with his ex-girlfriend Rasheedah Watley.
The incidents occurred during Marshall's time with the Denver Broncos, and he was suspended three games.
While the claims from Allred are more focused on Goodell's lack of action, Bears general manager Phil Emery put out a statement in support of Marshall, via Jahns: "Brandon has the full support of the Chicago Bears. We were aware of his personal background when we traded for him in 2012 and equally aware of the tremendous efforts he made to bring positive changes in his life and in the lives of all the people around him."
Marshall has been a model citizen since arriving in Chicago and has become a role model for those seeking a positive change in their lives.
Rex Ryan Is Impressed by the Bears Offense
The Bears boast one of the best wide receiver duos in the league in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, and Jets head coach Rex Ryan knows they can be difficult to match up against.
"[Marshall and Jeffery] are matchup nightmares," Ryan said in a conference call with the media, via Kevin Fishbain of ChicagoFootball.com. "Brandon Marshall, unfortunately I’ve had to go against this guy a long time. He is right there with all the best receivers in the game. He uses his big body. He can go deep on you. Run routes. Inside, outside. He’s an outstanding player.”
Ryan's praise did not end with just Marshall and Jeffery.
“And oh, by the way,” Ryan said, “you have Jay Cutler. So it’s a strong group...There’s a reason why this offense was second in the league last year in scoring. It’s a very impressive group, obviously.”
Ryan's group is not the dominating defense it once was, but he has a talented group of young pass-rushers who will have their hands full on Monday night trying to get after quarterback Jay Cutler.
Injury Report
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| Player | Position | Injury Status |
| Matt Slauson | OL | Did Not Practice |
| Roberto Garza | OL | Did Not Practice |
| Alshon Jeffery | WR | Limited |
| Jeremiah Ratliff | DT | Did Not Practice |
| Chris Conte | S | Limited |
| Sherrick McManis | CB | Did Not Practice |
| Shea McClellin | LB | Did Not Practice |
| Trevor Scott | DE | Did Not Practice |
| Brandon Marshall | WR | Did Not Practice |
All injury statuses from Kevin Fishbain of ChicagoFootball.com and reflect Friday's practice.
After suffering ankle injuries in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, it appears that guard Matt Slauson and center Roberto Garza will miss this week's game against the New York Jets after sitting out practice this week.
In place of Slauson and Garza, Michael Ola and Brian de la Puente have filled in admirably and will once again hold down those spots on Monday night if necessary.
Alshon Jeffery was limited this week in practice, while Brandon Marshall missed time due to an ankle injury. Both played last Sunday despite their injuries, and it would not be surprising if both suited up against the Jets on Monday night.
If they are unable to go, Santonio Holmes and Josh Morgan will likely take their spots on the field.
Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff left Sunday's contest in San Francisco with a concussion and was labeled by head coach Marc Trestman as day-to-day, via Bob LeGere of the Daily Herald:
"#Bears coach Marc Trestman says Chris Conte (shoulder) and Jeremiah Ratliff (concussion) are both day to day.
— Bob LeGere (@BobLeGere) September 16, 2014"
Despite the concussion, Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune believes the team's signing of another cornerback to the roster, instead of a defensive tackle, means the Bears believe Ratliff will be ready for Monday night:
"Bears adding a fifth CB instead of promoting a p-squad DT could indicate confidence in concussed Jay Ratliff's status for MNF. We shall see.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) September 18, 2014"
Safety Chris Conte was limited, while cornerback Sherrick McManis, linebacker Shea McClellin and defensive end Trevor Scott were all held out of practice, leaving their statuses for Monday still up in the air.
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X-Factors and Matchups to Watch
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Jordan Mills vs. Quinton Coples
Despite being a 16-game starter for the Chicago Bears in his rookie season, there were still plenty of questions surrounding right tackle Jordan Mills heading into this season.
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Mills finished last season as the third-lowest graded tackle in the NFL with a minus-36.2 grade. He also allowed three sacks, 13 quarterback hits and a league-high 62 quarterback hurries.
He missed all of the preseason with a foot injury but has played every offensive snap in the team's first two regular-season games.
His minus-3.5 grade in two games is an improvement over last season, but he will face the difficult task of trying to slow down New York's Quinton Coples on Monday Night Football.
Coples has struggled at times in his young career with trying to transition from a 4-3 defensive end in college to a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. His biggest asset is his speed, and according to The Ticket's Bob Sturm, he reminds some of a young Julius Peppers:
"Quinton Coples still looks like young Julius Peppers. Heck of a young DE.
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) September 14, 2014"
Jets head coach Rob Ryan is not afraid to move Coples around on his defense. Earlier in the season against the Oakland Raiders, Coples lined up at cornerback on the first play of the game. He likely won't be used again like that against the Bears, but he will move back and forth between outside linebacker and defensive end. Regardless of whether or not he is standing up or has a hand in the ground, he will be squaring off with Mills for much of the game.
Mills struggled against Mario Williams in Week 1 before the team gave him some help in the form of an extra tight end or a chipping running back. He will likely get a chance to play Coples one-on-one to start the game, but if he struggles, the team may need to give him some help.
Shea McClellin/Jon Bostic vs. Geno Smith
After he struggled through his first two seasons as a defensive end, the Chicago Bears decided to move Shea McClellin to strong-side linebacker.
Through a handful of training camp practices and preseason games, McClellin did not appear to be improving much. Despite his struggles, the team opted to keep him as the starter against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.
He held his own against Buffalo, but he appeared to have turned the page against the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday night.
He finished the night with three tackles and this sack of Colin Kaepernick in the fourth quarter:
"Here's the McClellin sack. Blitzed too far upfield but made his way back to Kaepernick https://t.co/2bzRyx8zxp
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) September 16, 2014"
Head coach Marc Trestman was impressed with McClellin's game and thinks he is improving, via Chicago Bears Network sideline reporter Zach Zaidman:
"Trestman on McClellin: "I think there is improvement there, a little more confidence in the way he's carrying himself."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) September 16, 2014"
Just as McClellin started to show signs of improvement, he injured his hand this week in practice, and it is unknown whether he will be able to play Monday night. If he is unable to go, Jon Bostic will play at strong-side linebacker, via John Mullin of CSNChicago.com:
"#Bears HC Trestman - Shea McClellin incurred hand injury in Wed practice - if he doesn't go, possible Jon Bostic at SLB
— John Mullin (@CSNMoonMullin) September 19, 2014"
With a matchup against an athletic quarterback on Monday night in Geno Smith, McClellin or Bostic will have to play solid, disciplined football, particularly if Smith decides to run with the football.
Smith ran the football 72 times last season for 366 yards and six touchdowns, and despite the fact that he has just 64 yards on 17 carries this season, he still poses the threat of picking up big yards on the ground.
Bears' X-Factor of the Week: Santonio Holmes
After some spats on the sidelines and a lingering foot injury, the New York Jets parted ways with wide receiver Santonio Holmes earlier this year.
Following an injury to Marquess Wilson in training camp, the Chicago Bears signed Holmes to fill the void left at the No. 3 wide receiver position.
Earlier this week, I detailed how the Bears can get the most out of Holmes in 2014, particularly by utilizing him in space, trusting him to make the big play and using his speed in the jet sweep.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan knows just how dangerous Holmes can be, via 670TheScore.com's Dan Durkin:
"Rex Ryan on S Holmes: When this guy's healthy, he can be a game changer. First year, he was a major, major factor in us winning four games.
— dan durkin (@djdurkin) September 17, 2014"
While he has not been a major focal point of the offense yet this season, expect Holmes' reps to increase with more time in the system. With Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery still recovering from injuries they suffered in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, Holmes has a chance to make a big impact against his former team on Monday Night Football.
Prediction
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If the first two weeks of the NFL season have taught Bears fans anything, it is to expect the unexpected.
The Bears appeared to be the clear-cut favorite against the Buffalo Bills, only to lose 23-20 in overtime in Week 1, while the exact opposite happened in San Francisco last Sunday when the team came away with an unexpected 28-20 victory.
This week, neither the Bears nor the Jets appear to be the clear-cut favorite after both teams have had up-and-down starts to their seasons.
In the second half against the San Francisco 49ers, the Bears offense proved it can move the football through the air against a solid defense, but Chicago will need to prove against the Jets that it can still run the football effectively.
The Jets should see a heavy dose of Matt Forte in the running game, despite the fact that they are the league's best run defense through the first two weeks of the season.
Defensively, if the Bears are able to rattle second-year quarterback Geno Smith early, they should be able to play more aggressively as the game goes on.
Chicago's sack totals are down through the first two games, but if Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston can get at the same level as Willie Young, who has three sacks in the first two games, the defense has a chance on Monday night to turn the page from its disastrous 2013 season.
While the Jets proved last week that they can hang with an offense like the Green Bay Packers, they may have a hard time slowing down a Bears offense that was unstoppable in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.
Prediction: Bears 30, Jets 20
Record/statistical information provided via email from the Chicago Bears or NFL.com.
Matt Eurich is an NFL/Chicago Bears Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.
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