The Chicago Bears’ offense has had a rough two weeks. Their offensive line hasn’t been able to give Caleb Williams anything close to adequate protection. Allowing seven sacks in one game is never something acceptable. People have started wondering if this unit will help ruin another young quarterback. Some are dreading what awaits the team next week in Indianapolis. Well, there might be a sliver of hope on that front as the Colts are dealing with an array of their own problems.
The biggest concern is DeForest Buckner’s health. Their star defensive tackle was already dealing with back problems before the game in Green Bay on Sunday. Then he suffered an ankle sprain that appears bad enough to keep him out next week.
The timing of this couldn’t be better for the Bears. Interior pressure has been their biggest issue and Buckner is pretty much the only viable interior rusher the Colts have. They failed to sack Malik Willis on Sunday. If the Bears can establish the run, this could be their best opportunity yet to get Williams going.
Lots of offensive players didn’t seem pleased with what happened in Houston. Team captains DJ Moore and Cole Kmet were chief among them. They are tired of the mental lapses and miscommunications. None of the issues this group faces have anything to do with talent. Everything has been self-inflicted wounds. Part of it may come from playing in a new system. They had to make the transition from Luke Getsy to Shane Waldron this off-season. That can often lead to some hiccups.
Either way, the time for excuses is over. At some point, the offense must start asserting itself. That means playing with more intensity. The smart thing to do would be to attack where Indianapolis is weak. Not having Buckner in the middle is a huge weakness. The Chicago Bears should do everything in their power to exploit that absence via both the run and pass. If they can’t, it will be confirmation that something is rotten in their foundation. If they can, it might be the jolt this unit desperately needs.
