The Chicago Bears’ offense has been a picture of inconsistency in the 2024 NFL season, despite the potential shown by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. While flashes of brilliance have emerged, the overall performance has left much to be desired, as evidenced by the team’s recent 29-9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Offensive Line Woes
One of the most glaring issues plaguing the Bears’ offense is the inability to protect their young signal-caller. Williams has already been sacked a staggering 29 times this season, placing him on pace to be taken down 62 times – a figure that would tie for the sixth-most in NFL history. The constant pressure has undoubtedly hindered Williams’ development and the offense’s ability to find a rhythm.
Injuries along the offensive line have forced the Bears to rely on backups and practice squad call-ups, further exacerbating the protection problems. In the loss to Arizona, Williams faced pressure on 42% of his dropbacks, resulting in six sacks, including a sequence of three consecutive plays where he was brought down.
“Get up, keep going,” Williams told himself as he kept taking hits. “Find a way to go win this game.”
Struggling Ground Game
The Bears’ rushing attack, expected to be a strength with the addition of D’Andre Swift, has also failed to live up to expectations. After a promising performance against Washington, where Swift ripped off a 56-yard touchdown run and the team gained 202 rushing yards, the ground game reverted to its early-season struggles in Arizona. Swift managed just 51 yards on 16 carries, and the team averaged a meager 3.0 yards per attempt, ranking 23rd in the league with 111.8 rushing yards per game.
Questionable Playcalling and Skill Player Usage
Head coach Matt Eberflus has expressed confidence in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, stating that no changes will be made to the playcalling duties. However, the offense’s inability to consistently involve its top playmakers has raised eyebrows.
Tight end Cole Kmet, who entered Week 9 as one of the most productive players at his position, was not targeted once against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, wide receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen combined for just eight receptions and 69 yards on 19 targets, leaving many to question whether they are being underutilized in the offense.
“I think we have to keep growing, keep communicating,” Williams said when asked what he needs from his coach and coordinator to help him grow. “I think, for myself, I want to be better. I want to be able to help this team win. I want to be able to help [the] Chicago Bears reach their goals at the end of the season that we all have — that I’ve had, that I’m gonna keep having.”
As the Bears look to turn their season around, starting with a crucial matchup against the New England Patriots, the pressure is mounting on Eberflus, Waldron, and the entire offense to find solutions to their persistent issues. With a promising young quarterback at the helm, the pieces appear to be in place for success, but the execution has been sorely lacking.
The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the Bears can unlock the potential of their offense and salvage a season that began with such high hopes. For Williams, the focus remains on self-improvement and finding ways to lead his team to victory, even as the challenges continue to mount.
