2. Strong Start
The Bears never led against Tennessee in the opener until 7 1/2 minutes remained in the game. They never led against Houston and Indianapolis and both of those were road games. When they finally learned to come out early and get a lead, they had no problem.
Scoring in the first quarter isn't always essential and, as Waldron often points out, games are decided in fourth quarters. However, games on the road cane become extremely difficult to win once a team falls behind early. Northwest Stadium can become a very difficult place for Williams to play even if he is from that area originally.
The Bears need the fast start and then a strong game throughout to finally win on the road.
And that game in London doesn't count as the road because it was officially a home game.
3. Space Force
The Bears defense needs to make certain there is no open space. It becomes a game of spacing when facing the Kliff Kingsbury air-raid style offense.
"They get their athletes in space and they do a really good job at that and they've hit some good runs, too," Eberflus said. "They do a really good job with that. They're top in the league in both run and pass in terms of explosives. Their scheme has done it. And also just putting people in space."
The way to shut down space is talk or communicate. They know the assignments, make certain everybody is aware of what needs to be done. It isn't as easy as this, however.
The Commanders and Jayden Daniels like to get going in no-huddle or tempo. It makes communication difficult, then they break a big play and the defense is in tatters, on their heels and when they don't communicate then more big plays follow.
"When you do no huddle–or on the ball like that–it's just about the communication and being ready on defense," Eberflus said. "That's what the intent is of the offense.
"I was in college football as a coordinator and four years at the other place I was at, we've seen it. You just have to be really good at getting lined up, communicate and make sure you're right. It's going to be about what you’re doing first. Then being able to execute a multitude of things at that speed."
Communicating lets them shut down where the gaps are, the space, within their defense and it leaves no room for the offense to operate.
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