Most NFL fans watch Monday Night Football live expecting to see a high-profile showdown. Tonight’s MNF game features two 1-1 teams, the Chicago Bears and New York Jets, but while it doesn’t fit the traditional definition of a must-watch game, there are certainly some interesting things to watch for.
Going into the season, people figured thought they’d watch Jets games live to see quarterback Geno Smith driving the offense. Two games in, it’s clear the Jets have a stronger ground game. Smith has completed 39 of 60 pass attempts for 397 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’ll look to improve in tonight’s MNF game live now that the Bears have lost cornerback Charles Tillman for the season. However, Smith can’t rest on his laurels. First-round rookie Kyle Fuller last week grabbed two interceptions from 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. Smith is certainly more prone to INTs than Kaepernick.
However, Jets running backs Chris Ivory (145 yards) and Chris Johnson (89 yards) have rushed for more almost 60% of Smith’s passing total. The result is when you watch the Jets game live you’ll see the NFL’s top-rated ground game. That stat is ominous for the Bears in tonight’s MNF game. Chicago’s run defense is ranked 27th, giving up an average of 160 rushing yards per game.
If the D isn’t firing, the Bears will rely on quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler has had a much better year than Smith, and his return from last season’s injury has been reassuring for Chicago fans. Cutler has gone 57-for-83 with 525 yards and 6 touchdowns through two games. That’s resulted in just the league’s ninth-rated passing game, but Cutler is ranked 11th in total QBR headed into the Bears/Jets Monday Night Football game tonight.
You can watch Monday Night Football live on TV on ESPN starting at 8:30 EST / 5:30 PST. If you’re not near a TV to watch MNF live you can also watch Bears vs Jets online free Monday Night Football live stream Week 3 via the Watch ESPN website or on on DirecTV’s website. MNF isn’t available as a Hulu live stream, for those who have asked. The DirecTV option requires you to subscribe to the NFL Sunday Ticket package with MAX, but all subscribers can watch MNF online free, and all NFL games, on a tablet, smartphone or PC.