4th and Goal(s): Football Is Back, But Are Da Bears Truly Better?
Week 1 Provides Serious Challenge With Expected Contenders In Rams
By Ryan Bukowiecki
Football season is back, baby! And for the beloved, yet highly controversial, home town Chicago Bears the NFL’s return begets a prime-time showcase in Los Angeles against a possible NFC championship contender in the Rams.
As of right now the Bears will be decent underdogs as the entire football community will have little faith in this team. Perhaps that might change with the emergence of rookie quarterback Justin Fields or the execution of the offense by starting quarterback Andy Dalton.
No doubt this will be a tough challenge for the Bears, but if they can find a way to win this game it could be a major confidence boost to a team that feels it is on the precipice of falling off completely or the start of something we haven’t seen since 2018.
An offensive offensive line – It has been a disaster for the Bears offensive line plan this off-season. The left tackle the team pegged to be their starter in tackle Teven Jenkins needed back surgery and is out of commission for any of the early part of the season at least. Lots of injuries to multiple starters cost the line to gain extra cohesion.
And to make matters worse question marks on how well the unit will even do playing at their best. Oh yeah and throw in now the best defensive lineman in the game in Aaron Donald of the Rams.
Luckily for the Bears the unit has not had to face any games of consequence to this point and can still be given the benefit of doubt. The Bears have improved their quarterback situation from a year ago on paper but if the offensive line can’t provide running lane for the running backs and protect the quarterbacks then expect to see a familiar offense of misery the Bears have had the past two seasons.
Speaking of quarterbacks… – On paper the quarterback room is the best one head coach Matt Nagy has had during his tenure in Chicago.
The absolute greatest need the Bears had this offseason was to improve and upgrade the position by signing quarterbacks Andy Dalton and drafting Justin Fields. The Bears offense and scheme need a signal caller that can make plays by getting the ball downfield and getting touchdowns.
For far too long the Bears have been relying on 10 play 80 yard drives to try and score touchdowns but in the pass happy league of the NFL teams need to be able to pick up big chunks consistently through the air in order to consistently score touchdowns. So proof will be in the pudding at how well the quarterbacks have improved and how well Matt Nagy calls plays.
Speaking of play calling… – Coach Nagy is once again the primary play caller (even though he may have never actually given it up). Every matchup with the Rams since 2018 has shown a stark difference in offensive genius between Nagy and Rams head coach Sean McVay.
McVay himself was dealing with ineffective quarterback play with Jared Goff but still McVay was able to figure it out and put together offenses that could score consistently. Nagy must prove his worth this year that with more players that fit his scheme that he is able to put together the best game plans, in game adjustments, and play calling that fans haven’t witnessed since the first half of 2018.
Speaking of improved play… – The Bears defense is also under the microscope after a disappointing last couple seasons and some serious question marks within the Bears secondary. New defensive coordinator Sean Desai has to bring back an edge that former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio brought in 2018. The injury report was particularly kind to coach Desai but he should have all his main players besides possibly defensive tackle Eddie Goldman.
It has been a long time since we have seen this defensive group dominate a game and at least right now the Bears need to win by playing well in all three phases because their former strength as a team, the defense, has been pretty average in complimenting a below average offense.
This Sunday night will give all Bears fans an idea of which direction the entire team is headed, but remember its a long season with plenty of twists and turns coming like a M. Night Shyamalan film.
Ryan Bukowiecki covers the Chicago Bears and professional football for WARR