As the Chicago Bears struggle for a third straight week, the panic button is being taken out of the bag. It’s still early in the season for Chicago, but against a defense as porous as the Indianapolis Colts have been this season, expectations were much higher going into this week.
Worst Goal-Line Play Call in Chicago Bears History
Following a big stop by the Bears’ defense, Caleb Williams and the Bears marched down to the goal line, looking to score their first touchdown of the game. For three straight plays, Chicago ran the ball up the gut, but each time, they couldn’t get in the end zone.
Then, on 4th-and-goal, Chicago’s offensive coordinator Shane Waldron made one of his worst calls to date.
The Bears lost 12 yards on 4th-and-goal from the 1-yard line.
(Via @NFLonCBS) pic.twitter.com/kEZ635JAUE
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) September 22, 2024
Needing just one yard for the touchdown, Waldron called a speed option, which resulted in a loss of 12 yards and caused major disappointment among Bears fans in Week 3.
As Chicago hits the field in the second half, play-calling must improve.
Chicago’s Offensive Line Continues To Disappoint
In a battle where the Bears’ offensive line matched up well against their opponent, that hasn’t been the case through the first two quarters of this game.
This has certainly been true regarding the rushing attack.
Indianapolis has allowed the most yards per game on the ground, yet, the Bears’ offensive line hasn’t been capable of taking advantage of the mismatch.
Through two quarters, Chicago has rushed for just 41 yards.
Bears Have New Running Back Committee
Following Travis Homer being put on injured reserve ahead of this week, the Bears’ running back committee has been shaken up a bit, with Roschon Johnson being given his first load of offensive snaps this season.
Johnson was a crucial part of last year’s rushing attack, and as a true power runner, he gives the Bears a strong back to utilize with an offensive line that’s struggled early.
With a trio consisting of D’Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert, and Johnson, there should be more rushing success from Chicago.
Defense Bailing Out Bears for Third Straight Week
With the offensive struggles through two weeks of action this season, the Bears’ defense has been carrying the team so far.
Since Week 11 last season, the Bears have forced 24 turnovers, averaging more than two per game since that point.
As Chicago saw in 2018, a strong defense can carry a struggling offense, and through this season so far, that formula might be what the team relies on moving forward.
It’d be better for the Bears to have a balanced attack, but if the offense continues to disappoint, this defense has shown to be elite through three weeks of the 2024 NFL season.
