Keys To Cannon Fire: Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers welcome the Chicago Bears to town for the home opener. After a thrilling Week 1 upset, they are looking to move to 2-0. As three-point favorites to win the game, there is a clear path to victory if they follow these keys to cannon fire.

In this weekly article, we break down what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to do to secure a victory on game day.

With a Week 1 victory over the Vikings in the rearview, the Buccaneers now turn their focus towards the Chicago Bears. As the worst team in football last season, the Bears spent the offseason revamping their team bringing in new players on both sides of the ball. There were some who thought Chicago might take a step forward this season, however, a bad Week 1 loss has many rethinking that. 

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers, who were all but written off, proved they have a defense that can hang with anyone. And an offense that, while still a work in progress, showed promise under quarterback Baker Mayfield and offensive coordinator Dave Canales.

READ MORE: Baker Mayfield Listed on Buccaneers' Most Recent Injury Report

This is a game Tampa Bay should win and if the Buccaneers follow these keys, they should come away with a Week 2 victory over the Bears and a 2-0 record on the season. 

Make Fields Beat You Through The Air

Justin Fields is one of the most dynamic players with the ball in his hands, especially at the quarterback position. Last season he ran for over 1,100 yards and was a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, he still has not progressed as the passer the Bears had hoped. 

The Bucs' influx of youth and speed need to hold him in check as a runner and force him to try and beat them through the air. Which so far Fields has been incapable of proving he can do it on a consistent basis. 

Last week Fields missed a ton of open receivers and showed hesitancy throwing the ball. He fell back on using his legs too often and took the check down instead of open targets down the field. The Bucs' defense was all over those kinds of plays last week and if Fields shows more of the same, this game could get away from the Bears really quickly. 

Establish The Ground Game

The Bucs want to have an identity as a run-first team. Well, that didn't get off to a great start in Minnesota with just 56 yards on the ground. There was a lot of meat left on the bone by running backs Rachaad White and Sean Tucker and they will need to improve this week. 

This Bears defense was one of the league's bottom units against the run last season. While they have made improvements on the defensive side of the ball, there are still weaknesses to exploit. 

White needs to use his patience and vision to find those extra yards and make the Bears' defense respect the run game to help open up everything else the Bucs want to accomplish on offense. Doing so will also give the defense time to rest on the sidelines as well. 

READ MORE: Tom Brady Linked to New York Jets Following Aaron Rodgers' Season-Ending Injury

Execute Quick, Short Passes

The Bucs offense wants to tire out the Bears defense with body blow after body blow. One of the best ways to do that is to utilize the quick passing game. Chicago is not a fundamentally sound tackling team. Getting their playmakers in space and utilizing their ability to make defenders miss will help them consistently move the chains. 

Bears safety Eddie Jackson and cornerback Jaylon Johnson are at their best playing the deep half of the field and have struggled with missed tackles over their careers. In addition, linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds struggled in coverage, and let up over 100 yards receiving to running backs last week against the Packers. 

Getting the ground game going and working in the quick passes will help set up the haymaker deep shots the Bucs will want to take later in the game. The Bears do a good job at rallying to the ball and will play fast and physical on defense. But if they show lapses in coverage and an ineptitude at tackling this week they could be in for a long afternoon.

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