Chicago Bears Must Avoid Trap Against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London
As the Chicago Bears prepare to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, the game may seem like a mismatch at first glance. After all, the Jaguars are historically one of the NFL’s most inconsistent franchises, while the Bears have a proud tradition and have shown flashes of brilliance. However, NFL history is littered with examples of teams overlooking seemingly inferior opponents, especially on international soil. The Bears must approach this game with caution and avoid the pitfalls of complacency.
The Trap Game: More Than Just a Myth
“Trap games” have become a cliché in NFL circles, but they are very real. A trap game occurs when a team, often expected to win easily, overlooks a weaker opponent because they’re focusing on a bigger, more challenging game either before or after. This often results in unexpected losses that derail seasons. The Bears cannot afford to fall into this trap, especially with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Playing an international game like the one in London adds an additional layer of complexity. The travel, time zone adjustments, and unfamiliarity with the environment can all impact a team’s performance. While these factors apply to both teams, they often level the playing field, making the game less predictable.
For the Bears, this matchup against the Jaguars may seem like a walk in the park, but overlooking the Jaguars’ potential would be a critical mistake.
Underestimating the Jaguars Could Cost the Bears Dearly
The Jacksonville Jaguars may not have the same storied history as the Chicago Bears, but they are no pushovers. In recent years, the Jaguars have made strides to rebuild their roster, and they have some exciting young talent. Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars’ star quarterback, has begun to show why he was a No. 1 overall pick. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions under pressure could exploit any weaknesses in the Bears’ defense, which has been inconsistent throughout the season.
In addition to Lawrence, the Jaguars have a burgeoning offensive threat in running back Travis Etienne. Etienne has developed into a dual-threat back who can make plays both on the ground and in the passing game. If the Bears do not game plan effectively to neutralize these offensive weapons, they could find themselves playing catch-up, something they’ve struggled with in past games.
The Jaguars’ defense, while not elite, has been opportunistic. They are known for forcing turnovers, which could spell trouble for the Bears if quarterback Justin Fields is not careful. Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance with his mobility and deep-ball accuracy, must avoid the tendency to make costly mistakes, something that has plagued the Bears’ offense at times this season.
International Games Favor the Underdog
International NFL games often yield surprising results. The Jaguars, in particular, have experience playing in London, as the team has made annual trips across the pond since 2013. This experience gives the Jaguars a potential edge in understanding how to manage the travel, jet lag, and the spectacle of playing in front of a foreign crowd.
The Bears, on the other hand, do not have the same level of experience with international games. Their last trip to London was back in 2019, where they suffered a surprising loss to the Oakland Raiders. This defeat serves as a cautionary tale. The Bears entered that game as favorites but were outplayed, illustrating just how unpredictable these international matchups can be.
The atmosphere in London will be electric, with fans eager to witness NFL action live. While many expect the Bears to take care of business, they must be wary of the Jaguars playing with nothing to lose. An underdog team like Jacksonville can use the energy of the crowd to feed off the excitement and catch the Bears off guard.
How the Bears Can Avoid the Trap
For the Bears to avoid the upset, they must focus on the fundamentals. First and foremost, their defense needs to show up. While the Jaguars have offensive firepower, the Bears’ defense, when playing at its best, can smother opponents and force them into mistakes. Linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive lineman Khalil Mack must be disruptive forces, pressuring Lawrence and forcing him to make rushed decisions.
Offensively, the Bears need to lean into their ground game. Running back Khalil Herbert has been a revelation, and establishing a strong run game will keep the Jaguars’ offense off the field. A balanced attack, paired with smart decision-making from Fields, should be enough to control the game’s pace.
Conclusion: Beware of the Upset
The Chicago Bears may be favored to win their matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, but they cannot afford to take the Jaguars lightly. This game has all the ingredients of a classic trap game, with international travel, an unpredictable opponent, and the pressure of meeting expectations all looming. If the Bears come out flat, they could find themselves victims of one of the NFL’s biggest surprises of the season. To avoid that fate, they must play smart, disciplined football and not underestimate their opponents.