Raiders Get Dealt a Bad Injury as Chicago Bears Defense Looms

The Chicago Bears defense fears no one, and that includes their upcoming opponent the Oakland Raiders. This is a team that publicly saw Antonio Brown jump ship as fast as possible before the season. Now they're trying to forge ahead without a weapon they were counting on to make things easier for quarterback Derek Carr. Thus far the team has made do with what they have, but their offense ranks just 26th in passing. Not ideal with one of the best pass rushes in the NFL looming.

As if matters couldn't get any worse, the Raiders have since been beset by another piece of bad news. One of their other key acquisitions, wide receiver Tyrell Williams is dealing with a foot problem. Its severity can be summed up in the fact that he has now not practiced for two-straight days according to Oakland media. This is bad. Williams has represented a quarter of the entire offense's production through the air and caught four of Carr's six touchdown passes.

If he can't go in London, that leaves rookie Hunter Renfrow and veteran JJ Nelson as their two best options. Combined their production to this point hasn't equaled Williams'. This would put a ton of pressure not only on Carr but the Raiders running game to pick up the slack. This could be a problem too since the Bears have the 3rd-best run defense in the league. There's no getting around it. If Williams can't go on Sunday, it's a gigantic loss.

Chicago Bears defense doesn't need any handicaps

Raiders head coach Jon Gruden made it clear during his press conference on Wednesday that he knows what his team is up against. The Bears defense doesn't offer many free opportunities. An offense must be on at all times if they wish to have any success against it. Considering the inconsistency that has bedeviled Oakland to this point during their 2-2 start, it's hard to imagine they suddenly discover the secret formula.

Anything is possible though. They still have a pretty good offensive line with veterans like Rodney Hudson, Richie Incognito, and Trent Brown. If they're able to control the line of scrimmage, then some big plays can be had. Then again with the way Khalil Mack seems revved up for this game, a chance to get at his former team? That scenario does not seem likely. If the Bears defense plays at the same level they did against Minnesota, it could be a long day for the Raiders.