The Chicago Bears, having the league's worst rush defense, is scheduled to play against the league's No. 1 rush offense and defense New York Jets on Monday, September 22, 2014. The NFL Monday Night Football will be played at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The game can be watched online via live stream below (free with subscription), and on ESPN television network.
Going into Week 3, the Bears are 1-1, losing to Buffalo Bills 23-20 in Week 1 and beating the 49ers 28-20 at Levi's Stadium in Week 2.
On offense, the Bears are ranked 12th in points and pass yards, but are doing not doing so well in total yards (25th) and rush yards (30th).
Quarterback Jay Cutler is going 57 of 83, with 525 yards and six touchdowns, but has two interceptions and three sacks, with 14 sack/lost. While none of the Running backs made a touchdown, Matt Forte leads in rushing with 103 yards in 29 carries. Cutler added 25 yards in 5 carries to the overall rush yards.
On defense, Bears is ranked 12th in points, 21st in yards (359.5), 8th in pass yards, and the last in the league in rush yards. With five players listed as out among the injured, the team's defense will continue to suffer with the absence of LB Shea Mclellin and CB Sherrick McManis, who are out with injuries to the hand and quadricep, respectively.
If the Bears want to improve their chances of winning the games going forward, they must figure out a way to create a barrier against opponent's running plays as they optimize their defense through strategic plays with the viable players. If Forte does not improve in his performance, the Bears' fate will depend on Cutler and the receivers ability to connect.
Coming off a loss to Packers, the Jets, ranked 3rd in AFC East, are looking to take another shot on their winning climb since beating the Raiders 14-19 in their season opener.
On offense, New York is ranked 1st in rush yards (179), 17th in points (21.5), 13th in yards (357), and 30th in pass yards (178). Quarterback Geno Smith is going 39 of 60, with 397 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but has two interceptions and three sacks, with 38 sacks/lost.
On defense, the Jets is ranked 17th in points (22.5), 3rd in total yards (274), 11th in pass yards (221.5), and 1st in rush yards (52.5). With a solid defense, the Jets' running backs Chris Johnson, who has 89 yards in 25 carries, Chris Ivory, 145 yards and two touchdowns in 23 attempts, 64 yards and one touchdown in 17 carries, can concentrate on running over the Bears' defense.
The prediction is Jets will beat the Bears: 34-20.
The Monday Night Football will air at 5:30 p.m. PT, and can be watched online via live stream by clicking here.
