Bears vs. Texans: Reasons for optimism for Chicago in Week 2

Heading into Sunday's prime-time matchup against the Houston Texans (1-0), the Chicago Bears (1-0) will need to be clicking on all cylinders in order to improve to 2-0.

There are many concerns heading into the game, including the health of the offensive weapons, specifically wide receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze who have missed two consecutive days of practice this week. Finding reasons to be optimistic about this team's chances going into the prime-time spotlight is not easy, but they are there. It won't be an easy task, and it may look very similar to last week's win over Tennessee, where it is carried by the defense and special teams.

Here are three reasons for optimism as the Bears look to defy the narrative and get the job done on the road in Houston.

1. No where to go but up for offense

An abysmal performance from quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense against Tennessee left much to be desired for. The most optimistic train of thought is that things can only get better from the Week 1 performance. Williams looked out of rhythm, had no connection with any of his receivers, the offensive line struggled and the most glaring part of it all is that the coaching staff did them no favors. With DJ Moore, Allen and Odunze only playing 10 total snaps together, and tight end Cole Kmet playing less than half the offensive snaps, none of it made sense to sustain success on offense. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will need to make adjustments moving forward.

2. Opportunistic defense

The defense (and special teams) accounted for two touchdowns, the difference makers of the great comeback against the Titans. In their Week 1 performance, the Texans barely escaped with a 29-27 victory over their division rival Indianapolis Colts. The Colts, who feature a relatively respectable offense led by running back Jonathan Taylor, didn't burn up the field but they kept the game close.

Indianapolis did not force any turnovers but they don't bolster the same type of defense that the Bears do. It'll be wrecking time for Montez Sweat and company as Houston's offensive line gave up four sacks on the day but didn't change the game with turnovers. If the Bears are able to pressure C.J. Stroud, they could have their defensive playmakers ready to capitalize on any opportunity created.

3. Special teams

Speaking of opportunities, special teams coordinator Richard Hightower is quietly in the spotlight for this week. Speaking to the media, Hightower noted that he's more than comfortable with having DeAndre Carter return both punts and kickoffs, making him the feature guy. Not giving any sort of leash to Velus Jones after his muffed kickoff return, featuring Carter, who had a 67-yard kickoff return to emphatically return life into the Bears last week, is a major talking point.

Saying a game could be win on defense and special teams doesn't just mean scoring opportunities for those sides of the ball, it means how they can change momentum throughout. That would lead to rookie punter Tory Taylor, who was praised for his ability to flip the field and win the field-position battle could be key against Houston. If there are more struggles on offense, Taylor could influence opportunities for the defense if he's able to pin the Texans any time he has to punt it away.

Houston unleashed their new weapons in Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs to their already credible offense and they paid dividends. Mixon rushed for a league-high 159 yards in Week 1, while Diggs scored two touchdowns on the day. There will be a spotlight on the young quarterbacks, viewed as the future of the league, but it may be a narrative known all too well for Bears fans, which may need their defense and special teams to lead them to victory once again.

4. Texans defense gave up explosive plays

If there's an area of this Houston defense that Chicago could attack, it's their young secondary that allowed some explosive plays to the Colts in Week 1. Quarterback Anthony Richardson had 171 passing yards on just three plays -- a 60-yard touchdown, a 54-yard touchdown and a 57-yard completion. If the Bears offensive line can give Williams time in the pocket, there will be opportunities for explosive plays, especially if Rome Odunze and/or Keenan Allen are able to suit up for this prime-time matchup.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Texans: Reasons for optimism for Chicago in Week 2