Three keys for the Bears to beat the Cardinals are containing QB Kyler Murray

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Bears desperately need their next two wins, Sunday at the Cardinals and next week at home against the Patriots, before their schedule becomes even more difficult.

It was clear from the start that their schedule was pushed back, which seemed ideal for the development of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but the Bears haven't taken full advantage of it and are 4-3. And the Cardinals are no joke with two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray.

Here are three keys to the Bears' victory:

1. Williams needs to shine

Williams doesn't have to carry the Bears, but they rely on him to make things happen. Last week he had 36 yards passing early in the fourth quarter against the Commanders, and they simply can't survive with him producing so little. They need high precision in his passes, bold decisions in the pocket and smart playcalling from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to maximize Williams and the significant talent around him.

2. Manage Murray

The Bears were fortunate to be able to hold the Commanders to 18 points last week, especially with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels pounding them with 326 passing yards and 52 rushing yards. Dual-threat quarterbacks can be really problematic, but Daniels is far from the only one the Bears face. Murray can also hit them in the air or on the ground. He's having one of his best seasons with a 67.2 completion percentage and a 98.0 passer rating, both the second-highest marks of his career, plus he's good for 8.4 yards per carry. He's also throwing fewer interceptions (1.3% of his passes) than ever before in his career.

3. Use Kmet and Allen

Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Cole Kmet aren't necessarily deep threats like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and D'Andre Swift, but they are essential to the offense. These are the players Williams needs on third downs and in other crucial situations. Allen scored seven times against the Commanders last week but only had two catches for 39 yards. Kmet hit a target that he caught from 14 yards. That's not a viable template for the Bears' passing game.

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