Bears vs Jaguars: Causes for concern in Week 6 matchup

The Chicago Bears (3-2) will play host to the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) on Sunday, with the game happening in London, and on paper, it feels like a favorable matchup. Jacksonville just picked up their first win of the season last week with a 37-34 victory over the Indianapolis Colts who were led by backup veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. It was the Jaguars' first win in 315 days for a team that came in with much higher expectations.

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was selected first overall by the team in 2021, and after an abysmal start in the league with Urban Meyer as his head coach, the Jaguars have had back-to-back seasons with a record of 9-8. Lawrence has also led them to a 2022 AFC South divisional title with head coach Doug Pederson, and a 1-1 playoff record after making it to the AFC Divisional round last season.

Following his playoff appearance last year, Lawrence was signed to a five-year, $275 million extension this offseason, but the results have not been there through the first five games. It has not all been on Lawrence, however, as he's thrown for 1,100 yards, with six touchdowns and two interceptions to begin the year. The Jaguars defense, which ranks among the worst in the league, is a big reason for their early letdown.

Games don't always go how they're expected and teams don't always play by what the stats show on paper, and the Jaguars do pose a serious threat to the Bears this Sunday. Here are three causes for concern to watch out for as the Bears try to improve to 4-2 on the season.

1. Trevor Lawrence

With his aforementioned 1,100 passing yards, six touchdowns, and just two interceptions in five games, Lawrence has showed the slow start is not all on him for Jacksonville. He's been without his top tight end threat in Evan Engram, and while the team's total offense ranks 15th in the league, there's reason to be concerned about the threat of Lawrence.

He's got a standout rookie wide receiver in Brian Thomas Jr., who in last week's win had a 85-yard touchdown reception, showing his ability to blow past a defense, and it was his third touchdown of the young season. Also, included in their passing game is the likely return of Engram, to go along with veteran wide receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis. Four receiving weapons and a young talented quarterback in Lawrence, the Jaguars passing game could present real issues.

2. Two-headed running back threat in Travis Etienne Jr and Tank Bigsby

For as notable as the Jaguars offense may be led by Lawrence and company, their running game has been even better this year. Ranking 11th in the league with 126.2 rushing yards per game and four rushing touchdowns as a team this year, the Jaguars pose a serious threat on the ground to a Bears defense that has been less than great against it.

Travis Etienne Jr. is their star and top running back who is a dual-threat out of the backfield, but a reason for their high production would point to their second-year backup, Tank Bigsby. After getting off to a very slow start which saw him carry the ball 14 times in the first three games, Bigsby has carried the ball 20 times in the last two games, including a 101-yard, two touchdown performance against the Colts last weekend in the team's first win.

The Bears have been open to giving up big plays in the run game, and they'll have to contain not just one, but both threats out of the Jaguars backfield if they want a chance to win this game.

3. Injuries to the secondary

After delivering a massive hit against Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble to force a fumble, the Bears got the ball back in last week's win and Jaquan Brisker was all over the highlight reels. Unfortunately, on Monday, Brisker reported concussion-like symptoms although he remained in the game on Sunday after being cleared to return to action, and he's now out against the Jaguars.

The Bears do have formidable threats all across their defense, including the statistically best secondary in the league, but losing Brisker is a massive issue. Tied for the team lead in tackles with 40, as well as having one interception, one forced fumble, and a reputation to be everywhere the football is, Brisker is not easily replaced.

There are others who will be called upon to step up in his absence, including his direct replacement in Elijah Hicks, but this could be an opportunity for Montez Sweat and the defensive line to create more havoc than they have in recent weeks. Gervon Dexter Sr. has been a breakout star on this defense, as has Brisker, and with the Jaguars offensive line allowing 13 sacks in five games, it's time for them to get after the quarterback.

The Jaguars defense is at the bottom of the league in most of the statistical categories, so while their offense presents a few challenges, it'll be critical for the Bears offense to continue their growth and development on Sunday. Caleb Williams and the offense have gotten consistently better as the season has progressed, and they'll need that to continue in this matchup of No. 1 pick quarterbacks facing each other trying to turn their franchises around.

Elsewhere, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson suffered a calf injury during Thursday's practice, and he was listed as doubtful for Sunday's game. That means we'll be seeing Jaylon Jones starting opposite Jaylon Johnson, and the Bears' dominant secondary is down to key contributors in Week 6.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs Jaguars: Causes for concern in Week 6 matchup