Three keys to the Bears’ victory over the Cardinals include containing QB Kyler Murray.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Bears really need their next two wins, Sunday over the Cardinals and next week at home against the Patriots, before their schedule gets much tougher.

It was clear early on that their schedule was overloaded, which seemed ideal for the development of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but the Bears didn’t take full advantage of it and are 4-3. And the Cardinals are no joke with two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Kyler Murray.

Here are three keys to a Bears victory:

1. Williams needs to shine
Williams doesn’t need to carry the Bears, but they’re counting on him to make things happen. He had 36 passing yards early in the fourth quarter against the Commanders last week, and they simply can’t survive with him showing up that little. They need his sharp passing accuracy, savvy decisions in the pocket and smart playmaking, requiring offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to maximize Williams and the significant talent around him.

2. Manage Murray
The Bears were fortunate to hold the Commanders to 18 points last week, especially since freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels blew them away with 326 yards passing and 52 yards rushing. Dual-threat quarterbacks can be truly problematic, but Daniels is far from the only one the Bears will have to deal with. Murray can beat them both in the air and on the ground. He’s coming off one of his best seasons with a 67.2 completion percentage and 98.0 passer rating, the second-highest 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 at any other time 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 down and in other critical situations. Allen had seven targets last week against the Commanders, but caught just two balls for 39 yards. Kmet hit one target, which he caught at 14 yards. This is not a viable template for the Bears passing game.