Dissecting the offensive woes of the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears offense has been one of the worst in the NFL this season. The Bears have a 2-4 record and have come under increased scrutiny for some of their performances. Fans have suffered while watching an offense that seems scared to throw the ball and unable to drive down the field.
After a galling 12-7 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 6, it seemed prudent to take a closer look at the Bears offense. Here are three factors that are causing their offensive woes:
#1 - Justin Fields' poor performances
When an offense is struggling, fingers are usually pointed at their quarterback. While Chicago's struggles are not entirely Justin Fields' fault, he has to shoulder some of the blame. Fields is talented but inconsistent and probably lacks confidence. His quarterback approach is that of a dual-threat improviser. This doesn't really suit their current offensive personnel and they aren't playing to his strengths.
First down receptions:
Cooper Kupp - 34
Chicago Bears - 35
At Ohio State, Fields could rely on an elite offensive line to protect the pocket as he waited for vertical routes down the field to develop. The Bears' porous offensive line doesn't provide the same security. This forces the developing second-year starter in Fields to often scramble and play off script. A common feature of every Chicago game is Fields holding onto the ball for too long and either running for his life or getting sacked.
Justin Fields is still a developing pocket passer. He hasn't developed a good short pass game as he will often run for short gains. Aside from when they run the ball, moving the chains is very difficult for them as Fields hasn't developed chemistry with his receivers.
#2 - The Bears have a relatively weak wide receiver room
In college, Fields was often surrounded by explosive or effective receivers. Ohio State is renowned for them. The presence of playmakers such as Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson provided Fields with security blankets when the deep ball was unavailable. In his early years in the NFL, the organization has failed to surround him with a similar caliber of weapons at receiver.
NFL passing https://t.co/KFwIAj9anq
Darnell Mooney is currently their most recognizable receiver. Mooney has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent and somewhat underwhelming this season. Equanimeous St. Brown, N'Keal Harry, Dante Pettis, and Byron Pringle round out a receiving room that doesn't strike terror into the hearts of defenses.
Without star-power at the position, the Bears will need to be smart rather than lucky. However, this they are failing to do. With a solid running game, they are able to fashion a lot of chances with play-action or in the quick passing game. However, as of yet, they are not taking advantage of this.
Tight end Cole Kmet was expected to break out this season, but barely sees a pass. He is often seen open, while Fields holds onto the ball for too long and then either takes a sack or tries to run himself. Utilizing such a talent would really help their offense move the chains, and also keep defenses a little more honest.
#3 - Chicago are overreliant on the running game
Chicago are committed to running the ball, which is fine. Up to a point, it works for them. However, if an opponent can stop the run or take an early lead, the Bears struggle to get first downs or score points. David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert are fine backs and Chicago play to their strengths. However, when a team knows you are going to run the ball on a high percentage of downs, they can and will gameplan to stop you.
The Bears should continue their run-heavy gameplan, but they could occasionally use it to set up play-action passes and get the ball into their receivers' hands. Chicago are yet to score 25 points in a game and if you can't score points, you're going to lose matches.
Concluding thoughts
Essentially, Chicago are going through something of a rebuild. They benefit from the fact that Fields is still on his rookie deal and can spend cap space on a better offensive line and better playmakers at receivers. Their offensive problems are down to inexperience and a lack of personnel. These are all fixable problems that can be solved with one great offseason.
This season might not be a high-powered campaign full of unbridled joy for Chicago fans. The hope is that Fields, Mooney and Kmet will develop some chemistry and with a good offseason, see a much improved 2023 campaign. The consensus is that the franchise is unlikely to make the playoffs, but with a few adjustments, they could yet surprise everyone.