Rookie Caleb Williams (17-for-23, 157 yards, one touchdown pass, no interceptions, 106.6 rating) was more prolific last week against the Colts but much more efficient against the Rams. Still waiting for the “wow” throws, especially when he gets out of the pocket. But for now, with Shane Waldron’s offense still on training wheels, avoiding turnovers and modest production seem to be a winning formula.
A week after he rushed for 20 yards on 13 carries and apologized to the defense for the offense’s performance in a loss to the Colts, Swift had a game that might be the epitome of what the Bears envisioned his role becoming when they signed him in free agency — 165 of the Bears’ 264 yards on 23 touches.
Swift had 16 carries for 93 yards (5.8 average), including a 36-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and he also caught seven passes for 72 yards. Roschon Johnson had seven carries for 26 yards (3.7 average) and a one-yard touchdown.
Losing left guard Teven Jenkins to a rib injury seemed like the last thing the Bears’ offensive line needed, but it rallied without Jenkins and, after a rough first half, got better as the game went on — another sign of hope.
Matt Pryor, who made his second consecutive start at right guard, moved to left guard, and veteran Nate Davis came in to play right guard.
Left tackle Braxton Jones (blindside block) and center Coleman Shelton (holding) had penalties, but the Bears still rushed for 131 yards on 28 carries (4.7 average) and two touchdowns. That’s progress.
Safety Jaquan Brisker had a breakout performance with 12 tackles, two tackles for loss, including a sack, and a clinching interception with 1:03 left in the fourth quarter.
Kyler Gordon had seven tackles and a fumble recovery. Jaylon Johnson had a tackle for loss. Kevin Byard had seven tackles.
Waldron probably overcompensated when he put reserve center Doug Kramer at fullback when the Bears had a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line after last week’s option fiasco against the Colts. But the back-to-basics strategy worked and showed that Waldron learned from his mistake. Johnson scored easily to give the Bears a 7-6 lead.
Matt Eberflus also responded after a rough game against Indianapolis. Accepting an offensive pass interference penalty (after initially declining) led to a missed field goal.
