Sep 19, 2024 - Sports

Preview: Chicago Bears look to get back on track in Indianapolis

Justin Kaufmann

Photo of a football player grabbing the jersey of another football player on the field — Caleb Williams avoids a sack against the Houston Texans last Sunday. Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears (1-1) are hoping to bounce back from last week's ugly loss in Houston as they take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

The big picture: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the new-look Bears offense were predicted to be much-improved from last year, but instead, they have regressed.

By the numbers: The Bears are dead last in the league in yards-per-play (3.0).

That's less than the lowly Carolina Panthers.

So what's the problem? The new-look offensive line gave up a whopping 36 pressures on 48 pass plays against the Texans.

Offensive stars to watch this week: Any running back that can run for more than two yards.

You know what's not the problem? The Bears defense. They are playing at an elite level.

Defensive stars to watch this week: Cornerback Kyler Gordon was all over the field last Sunday. The third-year player seems to be putting it all together this season.

Linebackers T.J. Edwards & Tremaine Edmunds: Could we be seeing the next Urlacher & Briggs?

The intrigue: Coach Matt Eberflus used to coach the Indianapolis defense. So it will be a homecoming for him. Also, it's a 2007 Super Bowl rematch.

Yes, but: It's a must-win for Indy too. They are 0-2.

The bottom line: If the Bears can right the ship and beat the Colts, it would quiet the anxious chatter buzzing throughout the city. But if the woes continue, that buzzing will get to cicada-level by Monday morning.

If you watch: The two teams square off at noon Sunday on CBS.

Add Axios on Google

Preview: Chicago Bears look to get back on track in Indianapolis

More Chicago stories