The Chicago Bears received a lot of praise for their moves to improve from last year. However, with a defense that’s shown to be near the top of the league, the Bears are in a frustrating position.
While the Bears made a lot of moves in the offseason that were supposed to make this team stronger, those seeds haven’t produced much fruit this season.
Caleb Williams Has Disappointing First 2 Games, Bears Offense Yet To Click
As the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, Williams was seen as a can’t-miss prospect. However, through his first two games in the NFL, he hasn’t lived up to those expectations.
The Texans had 36 pressures on Caleb Williams tonight according to @NextGenStats…..on 42 pass attempts!!!!!! 🤯
That has to be some type of record. Just an awful game upfront for Chicago
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 16, 2024
It’s not solely on Williams, as the offensive line has been poor this season.
When an offensive line can perform at a high level, production goes up. So, if Williams can get more protection, strides should be made offensively.
In his first two starts, Williams has completed 37 of 66 passes (56.1%) for 267 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. For a player touted as one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory, his entrance into the NFL hasn’t been top-tier.
Williams didn’t sugar-coat how he was feeling after Chicago’s loss on Sunday Night Football this week.
“It sucks to lose, simple as that,” Williams said.
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There are expectations that it will take time for Williams to adjust to the NFL, but given the pressure he’s under each game, it’s hard to place hefty blame on the rookie quarterback.
Sure, there were higher expectations for how well Williams would play entering the NFL, but with plenty of the season left, his rookie year is far over.
Chicago’s Defense Is Giving 2018 Flashbacks
When most NFL fans think of the Bears, stellar defensive play is usually what comes to mind.
Chicago’s defense hasn’t been a top-tier unit for a while now, aside from its emergence in the latter half of 2023.
The last time the Bears were seen as a top-level defensive unit was when Vic Fangio led Chicago’s defense in 2018.
Fangio’s defense was ranked first in points allowed and third in yards allowed, which helped lead the Bears to their first playoff berth since 2010.
This season, Chicago’s defense is looking similar.
Still fighting 😤@BillingsAndrew forces the fumble and @KevinByard comes up with it! pic.twitter.com/rakSAEnDuy
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 16, 2024
So far, the Bears have allowed just 277 yards per game, which ranks ninth in the league. In a similar vein, Chicago’s defense has allowed just 36 points, ranking eighth-best in the NFL through two weeks.
While the Bears ranked ninth in offensive scoring in 2018, their offense was near the bottom of the league in yards (21st). If the 2024 offense continues to struggle the way it has, an outcome like 2018 isn’t hard to imagine.
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Bears fans might hope for a better ending, considering how 2018 concluded, but a playoff berth in Williams’ rookie season could paint a positive picture for this team’s future.
There’s a need for some sort of uptick in production on offense, but if the Bears’ defense remains as good as it has been to start the 2024 season, they’re showing they can play at a playoff level.