If everything goes as planned, the Chicago Bears will have one of their toughest tasks of the year in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens sit at 1-5, but that's mainly due to Lamar Jackson being out for much of the year.
More news:Bears RB D'Andre Swift Suddenly Added to Injury Report
Jackson has yet to play since the fourth game of the year against the Kansas City Chiefs, and he looked just as good as he typically does, throwing for 869 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just one interception. He also continued to make an impact with his legs, something the Bears’ defense will have to plan for if he plays.
Amidst the Ravens’ struggles, Derrick Henry hasn’t been great outside of his performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 6. He posted 122 yards on 24 attempts, good for 5.1 yards per carry.
On the year, he has four touchdowns, but two of them came in the first game of the season.
Needless to say, with Jackson in the mix, if he plays, it'd completely open things up for the Ravens, and it sounds like the Bears understand that, including defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
"Look, easier said than done," Allen said, per Nicholas Moreano of Marquee Sports Network. "I think the No. 1 coaching point is how many hats can we get around the ball. If we're expecting one guy to get the ball on the ground all the time, that's a tough proposition when you're talking about this guy.
“You gotta be able to hit him, you gotta be able to wrap up. Essentially, you gotta be able to take his pistons away and take his legs away from him, in terms of his ability to drive through contact. I think more important than anything else, it's like, how many hats can we get to the ball? I think that will be critical."
The Bears have improved throughout this year, sitting at 4-2 with impressive wins over the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys, but this will likely be their toughest task yet.
Allen and the defense will be tasked with stopping two of the best offensive players of this generation.
For more on the Bears and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.