Oct 9, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Preview: Jaguars Visit Chicago to Take on Bears

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears (1-4) Sunday. Chicago is coming off of a Week 5 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, falling 29-23, while the Jaguars are coming off of a  bye week. They celebrated a 30-27 victory over the Colts in Week 4 in London.

Brian Hoyer is expected to start at quarterback for the Bears in place of Jay Cutler again, and has performed well in his absence. While only going 1-2 as starter so far, he has completed 91 of 128 passes for 1,016 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. Despite his play, the Bears still sit in last place in their division.

Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago also lost starting running back Jeremy Langford. But it looks like a blessing in disguise as backup Jordan Howard has taken off in his new role as starter. In two starts, Howard has averaged 5.8 yards per carry while adding 122 yards through the air with a touchdown. In Langford’s three starts he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and two touchdowns.

Jaguars Breakdown

The Jaguars, who also sit last in their division, are ready to get back to the field after their bye week. Quarterback Blake Bortles has led the offense well so far but needs to work on limiting turnovers. He has passed for 1,050 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions so far this season.

Allen Robinson remains Jacksonville’s key receiver, pulling in 21 receptions for 238 yards and three touchdowns. T.J. Yeldon has primarily lead the backfield with 155 rushing yards and a touchdown in the initial three game absence of Chris Ivory.

After averaging a middling 21 points per game, Bortles says that the offense needs to improve and play like they did against Indianapolis.

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Stats

  • Yards per game: Jacksonville- 320.8 / Chicago- 372.4
  • Yards against per game: Jacksonville- 304.5 / Chicago- 346.0
  • Points per game: Jacksonville- 21 / Chicago- 17
  • Points against per game: Jacksonville- 27.8 / Chicago- 25.2

This is an important game for both teams as each are hoping to get back into the running for their division. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.

About Josh Kimble

Fourth year Journalism major at the University of Florida, focusing in Sports Journalism. Writer for WRUF and WUFT.

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