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When it comes to their defense, the Bears check in at #15 in football when it comes to total yards allowed per game. Opposing air attacks have notched 238 yards per game against Chicago this year (#10 in football). Opposing ball-carriers have ranked #26 against them with 4.77 yards per ground attempt. This Bears defense hits their peak effectiveness when it comes to defending opposing tight ends, keeping them in check at just 33 yards per game (#2-best in the league). Chicago's defensive effectiveness bottoms out when it comes to defending opposing wide receivers, who have scorched them for 9.37 yards per target (#5-worst in the league).
Arizona's biggest strength has been their defense, ranking #3 in the league while allowing just 331 yards per game. Much of their success has been in locking down the pass game, holding opposing QBs to the #4-least yards per game: 218. The Cardinals have done the best job shutting down opposing wide receivers, holding them to 132 yards per game (#2-best). Arizona's best position group in coverage has been their linebackers, which rank #8 in the league in locking down route-runners. Arizona's pass rush has been strong this year, led by their linebackers, which check in as the #3-best unit in terms of getting to the passer. This represents a particular advantage for Arizona given that the Bears have struggled so much with their pass game this year, managing just 6.64 yards per target (#10-worst in the league).
In terms of their offense, the Cardinals have ranked #6 in the league in total yards per game. They've passed for 264 yards per game (#9 in football). On the ground they've ranked #16 with 4.45 yards per carry. They've been most effective throwing to wide receivers, who have hauled in 76.5% of the balls thrown their way this year (ranking #1).
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