Despite Caleb Williams, Passing Attack Being Inefficient the Bears Offense Is Still a Sleeping Giant
Normally, in the modern NFL, success comes down to how well your offense plays.
Sure, you still need a good defense, but with the way NFL games go, you need to be able to put up at least 25 points a game.
Ben Johnson Comes as Advertised
In their history, the Chicago Bears have never really had an “elite” offense. The closest time was in 2013 when the offense had skill positions locked up with Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, with Jay Cutler slinging the rock.
In Chicago, it’s been a dominant defense, tied with a strong run game. While the pass game is still behind, the Bears have improved across the board on offense.
In 2024, the Bears were 32nd in yards per game (YPG) and tied for 28th in scoring. A lot of those issues were obviously due to the scheme and to a lack of execution.
While people were scoffing at the fit between Johnson and QB Caleb Williams, it hasn’t slowed the Bears down as they are top 10 in scoring and yards per game. A lot of that has been due to the run spearheaded by the revamped offensive line.
O-Line Revamping Has Led the Way
The Beard needed to revamp their entire interior offensive line and did so through a combination of signings and trades.
It all started with a trade for Jonah Jackson. The Bears traded a 6th for him, and while he was coming off a disappointing season with LA, Ben Johnson was familiar with getting him to play his best ball.
Joe Thuney has been nothing short of spectacular, no matter where he has gone. Whether it’s the 2nd coming of the dynasty in New England, the continued success in Kansas City, or the Windy City, he has allowed just 1 sack all year.
The Bears finished off the revamp by signing Drew Dalman, finally finding an anchor who has plagued the Bears since Olin Kruetz’s retirement. He has been outstanding outside of a few bad snaps.
All are at least top 6 at their position and have allowed running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai to chew up yards and beat up on defenses.
It was all on display against the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles, as Nick Sirianni and the team had no answers. Both eclipsed over 125 yards, and both scored. It has all been a catalyst for the Bears to get to 9-3.
Potential Is Still There
There is so much more left on the table that it should be frightening the rest of the league. The Bears’ passing attack has been middle of the pack the entire season.
While Caleb Williams has been stellar at avoiding sacks and has kept his turnover rate low, his completion percentage (for what it’s worth) has been very poor.
Seven of his last 8 games have him finishing under 60% completion percentage. A sure far cry away from the 70% completion percentage. While Williams isn’t panicking by any means, the haters will keep pointing it out until it’s fixed.
It is the final piece that is keeping the Bears’ offense from being the best in football. Ben Johnson has done wonders for the city of Chicago. He has even helped feed an entire city Hot Dogs.
Now the final stretch is a test, especially against the other NFC North contender, the Packers.
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Categorized:Bears