4. Scouting Chicago’s ‘explosive’ run game
The Chicago Bears make it no secret what they want to do on offense – they want to pound the ball on the ground. The Bears are the most run-heavy team (65%) in the NFL and enter Week 4 ranked second in the league in both rushing attempts (104) and yards (560). David Montgomery suffered knee and ankle injuries in last week’s win, and it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to suit up this weekend. Montgomery has averaged 4.5 yards per carry this season, taking 35 carries for 159 yards. Regardless of Montgomery’s status, Khalil Herbert figures to have a role in this week’s game. Stepping in for the injured starter last week, Herbert ran the ball 20 times for an impressive 157 yards (7.9 avg.) and two touchdowns against the Texans. He has 240 yards on 33 carries (7.3 avg.) and three touchdowns.
“We’re going to have a great test this week because an elite running game is coming to town here at MetLife,” said the defensive coordinator. “We have to make sure we’re on point every single play because they have two really good backs, and their quarterback is phenomenal with the ball in his hands as well… those backs are explosive backs who run hard, old school hard. That offensive line, they work well together, especially in the run game.
As Martindale mentioned, Justin Fields is also a threat to run with the ball. The second-year quarterback has registered 27 rushing attempts this season and has gained 95 yards with a touchdown. The former No. 11 overall pick ran for 420 yards on 72 carries (5.8 avg.) with two touchdowns last year.
“Really, it’s one of those things that you’ve got to know where to attack and how to attack,” Martindale said about being aggressive with pressures against a mobile QB. “I think that we’ll work on that this week and try to give him some different looks, but he’s big and strong and he can run. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
5. Roster, injury updates
The Giants made a couple of roster moves over the last few days. It began Tuesday with running back Antonio Williams being waived and outside linebacker Chuck Wiley being terminated from the practice squad. On Wednesday, Sterling Shepard was put on injured reserve and veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. The Giants also added receiver Makai Polk and defensive back Olaijah Griffin to the practice squad. On Thursday, Williams was re-signed to the practice squad and tackle Roy Mbaeteka was let…
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