The Chicago Bears had a wild first two weeks of the 2024 season. They overcame a 17-0 deficit against Tennessee without the benefit of an offensive touchdown. Then they lost a 19-13 heartbreaker in Houston after watching their young quarterback get destroyed. Too much about the start of this season feels familiar. This was supposed to be a season where they finally started to look like a complete team. Not so far. Many feel this upcoming game in Indianapolis will be a real test of who they are since it's a game they should win.
Chicago Bears face self-scouting in Indy.
Backstory:
Two teams trying to get their young quarterbacks on track. Anthony Richardson has been marred by inconsistency, barely completing half of his passes through two games. His three interceptions against Green Bay were an ugly reminder of how far he still has to go. Caleb Williams showed progress in Houston, but that was undercut by the merciless beating he took behind a leaky offensive line. It feels like whichever of these quarterbacks puts together a solid performance will determine the outcome.
Injuries:
OG Nate Davis (groin) - Patience is wearing thin with the veteran guard. He hasn't been able to stay healthy since he arrived in Chicago last year. Now, after a dismal performance in Houston, he conveniently pops up on the injury report again with another soft tissue problem. There is no question Davis will get benched once Ryan Bates returns. The question was whether the Bears will do it Sunday with Matt Pryor. Reports indicate that indeed will be the case.
DT DeForest Buckner (ankle) - This is a brutal blow for Indianapolis. Their run defense was already a mess when Buckner was on the field. Now, their star defensive tackle won't be able to help with that and won't be able to supply an interior pass rush. The Colts have already been having to blitz a lot to compensate for their inconsistent pressure. They may have to ramp it up even further.
Key matchups:
DT Andrew Billings vs. OG Quenton Nelson - The one good thing Indianapolis can do is run the football with Jonathan Taylor. A big part of that comes from strong blocking up front, particularly from star guard Nelson. The Chicago Bears have had one of the best run defenses in the league since last season, and Billings is a key part of that. Their heavyweight matchup could determine how this game unfolds.
WR D.J. Moore vs. CB Jaylon Jones - Moore remains the focal point of the Bears' passing attack. Getting him established early would be a great way to find a rhythm. Jones has been the Colts' most targeted corner through two games, and for good reason. He's allowed 124 yards through the air, showing himself vulnerable to big plays down the field. If Williams can get some protection, that is a matchup to exploit.
X-factors:
RB D'Andre Swift - The stoppable force meets the movable object. Swift has been one of the least productive backs in the NFL through two weeks, managing only 48 yards on 24 carries. If he can't get going against an Indianapolis run defense that allowed 261 yards on the ground last week alone, it will be confirmation something is seriously wrong with the Bears' backfield.
DT Grover Stewart - With Buckner out of the picture, the Colts need somebody to step up who can provide an interior pass rush. Stewart is the only other player on the team with at least one pressure at defensive tackle. If he can't get it done, the odds are low Taven Bryan or Raekwon Davis will either. In such a case, that would finally give the Bears' talented rookie quarterback room to throw.
Prediction: Bears win 23-16
This feels like a game that will be played in total desperation. Chicago is eager to get its young quarterback on track while figuring out its offensive line problems. Indianapolis cannot afford to fall to 0-3, knowing its chances of making the playoffs all but die in such a scenario. Games like this tend to be predicated by turnovers and low scoring. Whichever offense makes the fewest mistakes determines the outcome.
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