The Chicago Bears are currently 4-3 and fourth in the NFC North. They have lost some very close games that could easily have turned them into the top team in the division.
The Bears’ defense has carried the team this season, but the team hasn’t gotten nearly enough production from an offense in which they heavily invested during the offseason.
Chicago finds itself among the bottom 10 NFL teams in passing and rushing yards. Let’s look at how they can improve.
What the Bears Do: Overall
The Bears seem to use a lot of motion that brings another blocker to the side of the run or gets the receiver a running start at his route. I like it when offenses do this rather than just use motion for smoke and mirrors. They also use a decent amount of formations with multiple backs in the backfield. They usually run a split backfield when they need to make sure Caleb Williams gets enough pass protection. Overall, in my opinion, the offense doesn’t lack creativity with all the unique motions and formations they use, but they need to execute better.
The Bears sent Keenan Allen in orbit motion, faking a screen pass to both the left and right before Caleb Williams found Cole Kmet over the middle for a 31-yard touchdown.
Bears Motion Rate
🔸 Today: 84.6% (11 of 13)
🔸 Weeks 1-5: 48.7% (27th in NFL)#JAXvsCHI | @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/IR96iesARM— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 13, 2024
What the Bears Do: The Run Game
If I do have one gripe about the offense, it would be that the run game is too bland. The unit lacks the run game diversity that good running teams employ. I would like to see Williams utilized more in the run game given how well he can move for a quarterback. They need to use more gap scheme runs where they pull linemen across the formation to create more gaps in the run game.
The offensive line has been about average, but the running backs have struggled to figure it out. D’Andre Swift takes most of the snaps at running back and has been pretty average at best. He usually takes what the offensive line gives him but lacks the burst and acceleration to be a good back. Roschon Johnson is the backup and hasn’t been any better. He doesn’t get the rushing volume that Swift does, and he has even worse production.
What the Bears Do: The Pass Game
The passing offense, or lack thereof, starts with the quarterback. He has been improving as a rookie over the season but needs to get even better.
Williams’ offensive line has been below average in pass protection, but they are a young and improving group. Their interior has been solid, but the tackles are the position that has struggled. Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones are both very young and need to keep developing to protect this year’s No. 1 pick.
Braxton Jones, Darnell Wright and Daniel Hardy lead the #Bears with four penalties each. Laremy Tunsil has 13 to lead the NFL
— Barroom Network | Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) November 1, 2024
The receiving corps is one of the most talented in the league, but the offense as a whole just hasn’t always been on the same page. Williams and the offensive line need to be better for the offense to reach its full potential. Keenan Allen was injured earlier in the season, so perhaps more reps with all receivers healthy will help the rookie quarterback.
Looking Forward
The Bears will be in contention for a Wild Card spot after being carried by the defense this season. Chicago needs more diversity in the run game to get the offense going and possibly create some explosive plays. It all rests on quarterback Caleb Williams’ shoulders to pull this offense from bad to at least above average if they want to fulfill their playoff aspirations.
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