The Indianapolis Colts are back at home this week against the Chicago Bears for what is essentially a must-win game. Over the last 20-plus years, digging out of an 0-3 hole to make the playoffs has been a near impossible task.
To help us preview this week’s opponent, Alyssa Barbieri, the managing editor of Bears Wire, answered five of our questions to help provide us with some insight.
Let’s dive in:
In the early going, where has Caleb Williams found success, and where has he struggled?
Barbieri: “Williams has done a solid job of seeing the field and working the line of scrimmage. He’s also excelled in the quick passing game, where he had the sixth fastest time to throw among all QBs in Week 2 (2.59 seconds). When Williams has been kept clean, he’s completing over 68% of his passes. But the problem is he’s been pressured on 36.3% of his dropbacks. Williams’ struggles have come as a result of the pressure he’s been under behind a shaky offensive line, and the nonexistent run game. He’s tried to overcompensate and play hero ball, which he’s learning doesn’t always work in the NFL.”
What has made this Bears defense so difficult to move the ball on?
Barbieri: “The defensive line, which was considered one of the biggest concerns heading into the season, has really stepped it up through two games. Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings have done a solid job of plugging up the middle while Montez Sweat and a rotation of DeMarcus Walker, Darrell Taylor and Austin Booker, have brought solid pressure. They also have an impressive secondary led by All-Pro Jaylon Johnson, who has been near-impossible to throw against, and some young studs in Tyrique Stevenson, Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon. While they’ve given up some plays, they’ve also done a good job of capitalizing on the defensive front’s pressure and getting takeaways. This defense has been especially elite in the second half, where they’ve allowed three points to both the Titans and the high-powered Texans. It’s even more impressive considering the offense has struggled to stay on the field.”
I see a lot of talk about the Bears offensive line, what are the struggles that this unit is having?
Barbieri: “Everything. Pass protection. Run blocking. Pre-snap penalties. The offensive line has been a mess through two games. Granted, they have faced two impressive defensive fronts in Tennessee and Houston, but it’s hard to find any positives through the first two weeks. While left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright have been okay – better in Week 1 than Week 2 – it’s the interior of the line that’s been the most concerning. Coleman Shelton isn’t the answer at center, but there’s really no other option with Ryan Bates currently on IR. Nate Davis has struggled since he joined the team last year, and it sounds like reserve lineman Matt Pryor will be rotating in with him as Chicago looks to find some kind of stability to give Williams a chance back there.”
Who is an under the radar player on offense and defense that Colts fans should be on the lookout for?
Barbieri: “On offense, running back Roschon Johnson hasn’t had a carry yet this season, but I expect that to change this week with Travis Homer landing on IR and Johnson continuing to work back from an injury before the start of the season. Getting the run game going will be a focal point for this offense. While D’Andre Swift is more of an east-to-west kind of runner, Johnson – along with RB2 Khalil Herbert – are going to pound it right up the middle. Johnson’s tough running style could be a benefit for this offense.
“On defense, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is someone who’s slowly making a name for himself in his first year as a starter. Dexter has been impressive through two games, especially as an interior pass rusher, totaling five tackles, including two tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and 3 QB hits in two games. Dexter will be key in containing Jonathan Taylor and bringing interior pressure on Anthon Richardson.”
If the Bears are going to win, what does their path to victory look like
Barbieri: “I think the Packers revealed the blueprint for how the Bears can beat the Colts. Chicago needs another strong defensive showing, where they’ll need to contain Jonathan Taylor to force Anthony Richardson to beat them, and get Caleb Williams into an early rhythm. They need to keep Richardson in the pocket and bring the kind of pressure they brought on Will Levis back in Week 1, where he committed some costly mistakes late in the game. The Bears offense needs to get the run game going to alleviate some pressure off Williams and that offensive line. In fact, I see the path as quite like how Chicago pulled out their Week 1 victory against the Titans – a dominant defensive effort and the offense doing just enough (and taking care of the football) to pull out a close victory.”
