Panthers vs. Bears: 5 Keys to Victory for Chicago at the Half

1. Keep Running

Matt Forte and Marion Barber both started strong, providing valuable relief for the banged-up Jay Cutler. Their first offensive drive of the game was built around the run, and they advanced quickly deep into Carolina Territory.  They had to settle for 3, but it was really promising to see Chicago and offensive coordinator Mike Martz put so much faith in their running game early on. Forte had a run for a touchdown on the next drive down, which was Chicago's first rushing touchdown of the season.

2. Keep Pressuring Cam Newton

The Chicago defense began to click after Carolina's first drive, pressuring Newton into an interception on third down from his own end zone. D.J. Moore returned it for a touchdown after Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher tipped the high pass from a scrambling Newton. If the Bears can keep getting at the young quarterback, more turnovers could be in Carolina's future.

3. Integrate Roy Williams into the Offense

Roy Williams has been a non-entity for the Bears in the first weeks of the season. He could use some receptions to boost his confidence on the field and bring some balance to the Chicago offense. With a few catches, he will give Jay Cutler valuable insurance on future drives. He caught Culter's first pass of the afternoon, a nice 15 yarder for a first down.

4. Offensive Line

When Cutler began throwing the ball more late in the second quarter, he immediately started feeling pressure from the Carolina defense, getting sacked once and sent scrambling on a number of other downs. Cutler must feel safe for him to throw accurately. No NFL quarterback has had to deal with the defensive pressure that Cutler has seen this season, and his offensive line needs to step up.

5. Devin Hester

Is there anything I can say about this guy that hasn't already been said? What an athlete.