A Glimpse Into the Chicago Bears’ Locker Room

The Chicago Bears: A New Era Begins

The Chicago Bears are adjusting to a new era. Shane Waldron, the team’s offensive coordinator, had a meeting with the team leaders after suffering a 21-16 defeat against the Indianapolis Colts. This loss raised eyebrows and sparked a discussion about the Bears’ offensive capabilities.

Praise for the Team Leaders

Post-meeting, Waldron acknowledged the input and commitment of Caleb Williams (quarterback), Cole Kmet and Marcedes Lewis (tight ends), and DJ Moore (wide receiver). These four captains were lauded for their candor, constructive criticism, and dedication to addressing the problems in a unit that currently holds a league-low average of 3.7 yards per play.

Marcedes Lewis: A Veteran’s Perspective

Marcedes Lewis, a seasoned player with 19 years of experience under his belt, delivered a potent and straight-to-the-point message to the Bears’ playcaller. He emphasized the importance of coaching for improvement and the need for a collaborative effort to win games. Lewis’ message was well-received, setting a tone of open communication and cooperation.

Challenges Faced by the Chicago Bears

The Bears’ Offensive Woes

Waldron accepted responsibility for the team’s initial struggles, particularly their loss against the Colts and the 1-2 start featuring only three offensive touchdowns. He addressed the goal-line series against the Colts that resulted in a turnover on downs, pledging to improve in future situations.

Bears’ Run Game: A Work in Progress

The Bears’ running game continues to be a challenge. Currently, they rank 31st with an average of 72.7 yards per game and 31st in yards per attempt at 3.03. Only the Las Vegas Raiders have worse stats in both categories. Waldron is dedicated to turning these stats around.

Decoding Chicago’s Strategy for the Colts Game: A Shift in Its Rushing Offense

Chicago went into the match against the Colts with a specific game plan. They intended for running back Khalil Herbert, who stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs 212 pounds, to leverage his size and power in short-yardage situations over Roschon Johnson. However, the cornerstone of their running game was always going to be their star Pro Bowl player, D’Andre Swift.

Chicago Bears’ Big Move: Securing D’Andre Swift

As soon as the NFL’s negotiation window flung open in March, the Bears made a significant move. They acquired Swift, who penned a three-year deal worth $24 million. “Our strategy was to bring in a versatile player, someone who could be a game-changer, not just on the first down but also in the passing game,” Coach Matt Eberflus stated before Week 1.

Chicago’s Dominance in Rushing: A Look at the Past

In 2022, Chicago topped the league in rushing and came second the following season, thanks largely to the efforts of quarterback Justin Fields. Fields contributed significantly to the team’s success, amassing 1,143 and 657 yards in 2022 and the subsequent year, respectively. However, a strategic shift occurred when the Bears traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, freeing up space for Williams. This move, coupled with Swift’s appointment, indicated a change in Chicago’s approach to generating their rushing offense.

D’Andre Swift: The New Face of Chicago’s Rushing Offense

The Bears had high hopes for Swift, especially considering his standout performance three years ago in Detroit, where he ranked among the top five running backs in catches (62) and receiving yards (452). However, Swift’s current performance paints a different picture. He’s averaged a mere 1.8 yards per carry this season, far from the expectations set when he signed his $24 million contract.

Swift’s Struggles and His Determination to Improve

Swift’s performance has been less than stellar, with 68 rushing yards on 37 attempts across three games, and his passing game has not fared much better. Despite his struggles, Swift remains a professional, committed to improving and contributing to the team. “He’s not satisfied with his performance, but he’s not going to let it affect his attitude or his teammates,” said Chad Morton, Bears’ running backs coach. “He’s a true professional, always striving to get better. I have no concerns about him.”

Chicago’s Plans: Revamping the Run Game

Coach Eberflus revealed that the Bears’ coaching team met Swift early in the week to discuss improvement strategies. He hinted that the team might experiment with different personnel to boost their running game. Johnson, who led the team with 30 rushing yards in Indianapolis, might get more playtime. He’s a player who brings a physical style to the game, capable of making critical decisions and converting opportunities.

Against a Rams defense that ranks last in yards allowed and second to last in scoring, the Bears might find the boost they need for their run game.

Unlocking the Potential of the Bears’ Running Backs: A Critical Turning Point

A Promising Opportunity for Waldron and the Bears

A golden chance has surfaced for Waldron and the Bears to optimize the use of the team’s running backs, potentially leading to significant improvements in their offensive tactics. Waldron commented on the situation, “There have been glimpses of brilliance.”

Performances in Practice Vs. Game Reality

The team has demonstrated commendable performance throughout their practice sessions and pre-season matches. However, Waldron acknowledges that their current game performances don’t match up to the set standards. Waldron said, “Our primary focus is to revert to the basics, our techniques, and to emphasize these fundamentals to our players.”

Players Owning Their Roles and Responsibilities

Waldron praised the players for taking complete ownership of their roles and responsibilities in every play. He stressed the importance of continuous improvement, stating, “As we progress each week, we need to strive for constant enhancement, particularly in the running game.”