When the Broncos run
Chicago has a bottom-10 run defense giving up 118.6 yards per game, but no running back on the Broncos’ roster should instill fear in the Bears. Denver has been down early in each of its past two games, failing to establish a run game both times. Quarterback Brock Osweiler got more carries (three) than running back C.J. Anderson (two) last week. The Broncos will need to lean on their running attack to help Osweiler. Edge: Bears
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When the Bears run
Matt Forte returned to practice after missing the past couple of games with a knee injury. His replacement, Jeremy Langford, has done his part to keep the Bears’ running attack moving. This will be Denver’s biggest challenge since Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson. Denver gave up only 69 yards to Kansas City running back Charcandrick West on Sunday, but it has been burned by opposing QBs. Edge: Broncos
When the Broncos pass
It’ll be the Osweiler show for his first career start. Chicago gives up the fourth-least passing yards per game, thanks to an improved secondary. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders is banged up, leaving the Broncos’ dynamic receiving duo with only one healthy wideout. Tight end Vernon Davis could finally be ready to make a big impact in the offense. The Bears are among the bottom five in the NFL in sacks, with only 15. Edge: Bears
When the Bears pass
In November, Jay Cutler has been the guy Chicago thought he was when they signed him to an extension. Tight ends Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller have filled key roles as the Bears’ Nos. 2 and 3 receiving threats behind star receiver Alshon Jeffery. The Broncos have had the NFL’s No. 1 passing defense nearly all year. They welcome back one of their leaders, Aqib Talib, from suspension. Edge: Broncos
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Special teams
Broncos kicker Brandon McManus has missed only one field-goal attempt this season and has been a weapon on kickoffs. Bears kicker Robbie Gould is 20-of-23 on field-goal attempts, but he has a booming leg for long-distance kicks. The Broncos haven’t allowed a significant kickoff return or punt return all season. Omar Bolden’s punt-return touchdown for Denver against the Colts probably has earned him the full-time role. Marc Mariani doesn’t bring the Bears much explosion in either kickoff returns or punt returns. Edge: Broncos
Three things to watch:
Win the game plan
The Broncos play at Chicago on Sunday, facing former head coach John Fox and ex-offensive coordinator Adam Gase. The Bears’ coaches know the Broncos’ players like the backs of their hands, especially new starting quarterback Brock Osweiler. It’ll be up to Broncos coach Gary Kubiak and defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to keep Chicago off guard. If Denver is outcoached Sunday, it’ll look like the Bears know exactly what the Broncos are going to do before they do it.
Regain the tenacity
Denver spent its first seven games terrorizing defenses with an onslaught of sacks and forced turnovers. Then worries about penalties caused what some players termed as timidness in the past two games. In those losses, the Broncos combined for no turnovers and only three sacks. They’ll need to hit Bears QB Jay Cutler early and often and jump some his passing routes for interceptions. Denver’s defense is its calling card.
Watch out for Jeffery
Before being limited by a groin injury last week against the Rams, Bears star receiver Alshon Jeffery had put up three straight 100-yard receiving games. In only five games this season, Jeffery has 57 catches for 515 yards. Chris Harris and Aqib Talib will have their hands full containing the Bears’ 6-foot-3, 216-pound No. 1 threat. Jay Cutler is playing some of the best football of his career. It’ll be a lot easier to cover Jeffery if the Broncos’ pass rushers can bring the heat to take down Cutler.
