Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams threw for two touchdowns and broke the team’s single-game rookie passing record today, and it still wasn’t enough for a win. The running game was abysmal, the play calling and offensive line were equally bad, and it’s probably time to recalibrate our expectations for the 2024 Chicago Bears.
FINAL: Indianapolis Colts 21, Chicago Bears 16 | Instant Player Grades
Four thoughts on the Bears’ Week 3 loss
- While it might be time to recalibrate our expectations for the Chicago Bears, throwing Caleb Williams in that bucket would be wrong. This team has had many issues over the past three weeks, but Williams is not one of them. Every week, he’s looked better and better. Today, he had to throw the ball an absurd number of times because the running game couldn’t take advantage of the worst rushing defense in football during the first two weeks of the season. Even with poor protection and zero help from the running game or play caller, Williams threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns.
- Matt Ebeflus is who we thought he was. He’s a fantastic defensive play-caller and an awful game manager. Every week, I’m perplexed by his timeout and his challenging usage. He’s also culpable in the offensive struggles because he allows it. I know there’s no Eberflus to assume play-calling duties if he fires Shane Waldron like when he fired former DC Alan Williams last season, but he has to put his foot down at some point.
- Remember when Dan Orlovsky said this week that Rome Odunze couldn’t get open? This is why I hate when people run with misinformed national takes online. Odunze was fantastic today, and Williams hit him for multiple big plays. That duo had their first big game together today, the first of many.
- If you watched the BN Bears Show last season, you know I’ve been screaming for Roschon Johnson to be a more significant part of the Bears offense for the last year-plus. After not getting a single snap in the first two weeks, Johnson carried the ball eight times for 30 yards today and more than doubled D’Andre Swift’s per-carry production. He also caught four passes for 32 yards. Let’s do this again next week, but more.
Three Bears highlights
- Caleb Williams hit Rome Odunze for their first touchdown in the third quarter, and the two had a playful exchange where they fought for the right to the football as they headed toward the sideline.
- This was negated thanks to a Braxton Jones hold, but it was beautiful nonetheless …
- Get used to this, friends …
How did the “Three Bears” perform?
Coleman Shelton: I’ll say this: there wasn’t much that Shelton did in this game that jarred me. Matt’s o-line breakdown this week will tell the story, but there weren’t any overly embarrassing moments for Coleman Shelton today, and that’s progress in my book.
Montez Sweat: Montez Sack recorded his first sack of the season today and had four tackles in the losing effort.
Caleb Williams: I’ve said what I have to say for today, but Caleb Williams had his best game of the (three-game) season in Indianapolis.
What’s Next?
Sunday, September 29 vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Chicago Bears will return to Chicago and welcome the Los Angeles Rams to town next Sunday.