Bears look to belittle Giants in Week 4

The Chicago Bears will look to continue their winning ways this coming Sunday night when they travel to New York to face the 1-2 Giants. The Bears (3-0) will be facing a Giants team that is not only struggling on the field, but are trying to cope with some injuries to key players.

Chicago’s offense won’t have to deal with many of New York’s defensive stars.Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka, who’s second in the league with four sacks, is ruled out with a bulging disk. In addition, defensive end Osi Umenyiora and linebacker Keith Bullock are listed as doubtful for the G-men with a knee injury and a toe injury respectively. This just might be the game where the Bears’ offensive line will get a chance to produce some yardage in the running game. The one thing that Chicago will have to worry about is the Giants’ fourth ranked pass defense that is allowing an average of 169.3 yards per game. For the second consecutive game, the Bears will have to do without left tackle Chris Williams, who is still battling a hamstring injury.

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Although it’s certain that Williams will not play, the same can’t be said for Tommie Harris. Harris was inactive against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 due to the decision of head coach Lovie Smith to not let him dress due to his lack of production in the first two games of the season and in practices. If activated, Harris could be a big part of a Bears defense that is first in the NFL in run defense (38.7 ypg). If the front seven can continue to stuff the run like they have been for the past three weeks and improve the pass rush, the secondary should be able to contain Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks, who is tied for first in the league with four touchdown catches.

A win this coming Sunday night can widen the gap for the Chicago Bears in the NFC North as they try to stay undefeated. Improvement in pass protection and in the pass defense will increase the chances of Chicago winning back-to-back primetime games, as well as showing the entire country why they should be considered as the best team in the NFC.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent