It appears the Chicago Bears have the edge in at least one matchup when they play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in London.
Chicago running back Matt Forte has been particularly effective when running to the right side (the left side of the defensive line). Forte has gained 291 yards when running to his right, according to ESPN Stats & Information. That’s the highest total in the NFL and Forte is 77 yards ahead of the next person in that category.
Couple that with the fact that Tampa Bay’s defense is allowing a league-high 8.2 yards per carry on runs to the left side of its defensive line and the Bucs could have a big problem.
Tampa Bay usually starts Michael Bennett at end and Gerald McCoy at tackle on the left side. Opponents have rushed for 361 yards (No. 2 in the league) against the left side of Tampa Bay’s defensive line. On plays to the left side of the defensive line, the Bucs have allowed a league-worst five rushes of 20 or more yards.