TUSV Quick Hitters:

Chicago Bears Any Good?

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

10/9/2022

One quarter into the 2022 NFL season many early season storylines are coming into focus. From teams establishing themselves among the elites to teams showcasing this year likely will not be the year to win. One team that seemingly is hanging in between these two possibilities currently is the Chicago Bears. A young group that has experienced a bit of success but has very glaring flaws to address. Let’s evaluate the early four-game sample the Bears have provided us and see how the numbers showcase the different avenues this season could travel down.

The Chicago Bears come into week 5 with a 2-2 record and many questions to still answer. They have the same record as teams like the reigning AFC Champion Cincinnati Bengals, the Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams. They have 9- and 3-point wins over the 49ers and Texans, with losses by 17 to the Packers and 8 to the Giants. This means in a way the Bears have made early season progress, yet at the same time, the product on the field and numbers paint a slightly different picture.

In several areas, they have certainly improved, specifically with their pass defense and rush offense which provides hope this season can be a turning point. They rank 11th in the NFL in opponent points per game at 19.3, while being strong in defending the pass allowing only 168.5 pass yards per game – 4th best in the NFL. As far as, their rush offense they rank 3rd in the league putting up 177.3 rushing yards per game. Rushing the ball with explosive success averaging 5.2 yards a carry which is fourth best in the league. The Bears have showcased proficiency in several areas that will give them a chance to compete and, in some instances, win games throughout the year.

The main things holding the Bears back interestingly enough are the exact contrast to their current strengths. Chicago’s main issues this season stem from their inability to stop the run defensively and generate production from their passing game. Against the run they rank dead last in yards allowed, giving up 183.3 per game. This while also ranking 30th in rush yards allowed per attempt at 5.1 a carry. Thus, even though they run the ball well their inability to stop the run cancels out their attempt at ball control in games. On the offensive side, their passing game has struggled mightily to start the year and with no immediate help on the way, the Bears have much to sort out. Not only do they average only 7 yards per pass attempt, ranking 19th in the league. They also average 97.5 pass yards per game ranking dead last in the NFL. All these numbers equate to an offense struggling to score as they are second to last in points per game at 16.0 points a contest.

The Bears while being solid against the pass on defense and great at running the football, cancel out these strengths with poor run defense and an ineffective passing game. Several players have been and will continue to be key players to whether the Bears can turn this season into a success or have it end up in more disappointment.

On offense with starting running back David Montgomery dealing with injuries, 2nd-year back Khalil Herbert has led the way for their elite rushing attack. Herbert has rushed for 317 yards and three touchdowns while averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per rush. Add in the 147 yards and a touchdown from quarterback Justin Fields and the Bears' rushing attack has found plenty of production. The passing game has struggled mightily with Fields completing just 50.8% of his passes for just 471 yards and two touchdowns through four weeks. He has struggled to find completions and the Bears have not been able to consistently generate big plays to keep defenses honest. Their offensive line also needs to be better having allowed 16 sacks in four games, as they need to give Fields better pockets to throw from. Fields then must continue to develop and find chemistry with pass catchers like Darnell Mooney (8 receptions, 121 yards) and Cole Kmet (5 receptions, 56 yards) to give the Bears' offense a chance to become more effective.

Defensively linebacker Roquan Smith has spearheaded the defense that has been strong against the pass but poor on the ground. Smith has accumulated 46 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 1 interception, being a key piece as a great coverage linebacker. All-Pro Eddie Jackson and rookie Jaquan Brisker at safety form an effective playmaking tandem on the backend. Jackson has accumulated 30 total tackles, along with a forced fumble and 3 interceptions. Meanwhile, Brisker has made 25 total tackles and recorded a sack thus far. Their run defense has been poor which is shocking for a defense with players like Smith and Jackson being good against the run in their careers. Plus, they need to generate more pressure on opposing QBs and create better field position for their struggling offense. Because with Trevis Gipson leading them in sacks with just two is not going to be enough to keep this defense afloat.

Overall, the Bears have parts of their roster that are talented and areas of their game as a team that can be key cogs to success. At the same time, they need to improve in key areas to become more balanced on both sides of the ball and remain as competitive as they've been through four weeks. Whether they are competing for a playoff spot or just trying to build toward a solid .500-ish year the Bears have a chance to take major steps forward. They need to exhaust all options to fix gaps in their game plan and help their young players grow and the Bears could show to be better than most think currently.