Bears vs. Buccaneers: 5 Halftime Adjustments Chicago Must Make

In the NFL's annual game at Wembley Stadium in London, the 3-3 Bears are taking on the 4-2 Bucs. Tampa Bay rebounded last week to beat the New Orleans Saints and Chicago is coming off a throttling of the Minnesota Vikings.

Both teams are playing an extremely important contest, given the tough divisions they are in. So far, the quarterback play has been pretty awful on both sides. And the Bears have the advantage because Matt Forte is running right through the Bucs' defense.

In front of this foreign, yet raucous crowd, here are five adjustments the Bears need to make at halftime:

1. Use the Run to Set Up the Pass

Matt Forte has bruised his way to an early touchdown and is on pace for almost 200 yards on the ground today. He is the most dynamic offensive weapon the Bears have and he needs to be utilized as such. The play calling has been fine, but Cutler doesn't seem to be on his game today, so they need to think of it differently.

When the running game is going so smoothly, you can afford to take some shots with Cutler down the field. But only if you are using the expectation of the running game to set that pass up. Now that the Bucs are expecting a punishing run from Forte, run a play action and send someone on a post pattern and see if you can't beat them on a deep ball.

2. Pressure Josh Freeman

Bucs' QB Josh Freeman has looked a little bit skittish in the pocket today in completing 50 percent of his passes and throwing a red zone interception. I would be too if Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher were lined up across from me. But, he can also be brilliant.

The Bears need to keep bringing the pressure and keep him uncomfortable in the pocket. He's a big strong QB who can get out and run, so they need to make sure they blitz and contain him in there, trapping him. This could lead to sacks, fumbles or maybe even another interception.

3. Convert on Third Down

Early on, the Bears are struggling to convert on third downs. It's rare that you see a team win with an o-fer on third down conversions. If Chicago can use that successful running game to get a decent chunk of yardage, they will be in good short yardage positions on third down and increase their success rate. 

Once in that position, it should be fairly easy to convert. You can run draw plays, a screen play, quick slants. There are a number of options of easy, fool-proof plays that can be run on third and short to pick up yardage and keep the offense moving.

4. Take Advantage in the Red Zone

This may seem obvious. But the way this game is going at both quarterback spots, I worry that the Bears will have to settle for field goals. If the only weapon Chicago has working today is Forte, then the Tampa Bay defense will start to key on the run and especially bear down in the red zone.

The Bears need to find a way to punch it in with the pass. Cutler can throw a swing pass to Devin Hester and let him use his athletic ability to open up some space and get to the promised land. Or, go for a pass in the seam with a tight end. Either way, settling for field goals will be dangerous.

5. Protect Cutler

As I mentioned, Cutler hasn't looked very good today. Halfway through the second quarter, he's rocking a solid 19.3 QB rating. He has always had turnover problems and has been sacked on the regular since joining the Bears. Their offensive line really needs to dig in and give him some time to throw.

When Cutler does have time, he can be one of the more effective QB's in the league. But, he already threw one pick and you don't want him to get in that kind of slump, especially in such an important game. Give him a pocket to throw in and a little time, and the Bears could put up a lot of points in a hurry.