The Chicago Bears return home this Sunday to take on the New York Giants, looking to build another winning streak after last week’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Although the Giants are down two of their biggest playmakers in wide receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo, they still boast an offense that can put up points in a hurry.

Behind quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Giants have been rejuvenated offensively and while he’s without two of his best playmakers, Dart is still a real threat. The past two weeks, the Bears have faced veteran backup quarterbacks in Tyler Huntley of the Baltimore Ravens, and Super Bowl champion Joe Flacco. Dart may not be as accomplished as the two most recent opponents for Chicago, but he’s a dual-threat quarterback that has a lot on his shoulders as he’s without his top two playmakers on offense.

There will still be plenty of challenges for the Bears defense against a young and overlooked Giants offense, even without Nabers and Skattebo. Here are the top three defensive keys for Chicago against New York in Week 10:

Who will step up at pass rusher?

The easy answer here should be Austin Booker, but there’s a lot of proving that needs to be done from every pass rusher on the Bears defense. Dart’s ability to create plays and cause chaos with his legs will mean the pass rush not only has to get after him, but contain him before he decides to take off and run into open space. Dayo Odeyingbo was ruled out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles last week, so Booker, Sweat, and every pass rusher on the team, including Joe Tryon-Shoyinka who was acquired this week in a trade, will all have to step up.

Contain the running game

This could be easier without Skattebo on the field, but the Giants have two very capable running backs in Tyrone Tracy and veteran Devin Singletary. New York ranks 14th in rushing offense in the NFL, averaging just under 118 rushing yards per game, bringing quite the challenge to the Bears defense. Although they’ve gotten better recently, Chicago’s rushing defense ranks 25th in the league, giving up over 131 rushing yards to their opponents this season, which undoubtedly needs to get fixed sooner than later. They’ll not only have to account for the aforementioned running backs but also the Giants rookie quarterback who has been elusive with his legs since getting the starting job.

Close the game out

Chicago has had some good wins this year, but there has yet to be a game that has felt like a complete win from start to finish. If and when the Bears get the Giants on the ropes, they need to deliver the knockout blows and not allow for them to hang around the game or keep it close. The Bears have continued to show improvement and growth as the season progresses, but in order to be a real playoff threat or even to give themselves a chance to make the playoffs, they have to close out games they’re ahead in. No reason to let a depleted Giants team hang around if the Bears can get out early in this one.

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