Article
Lightning and thunder could bode well for Bears’ offense
A one-two punch on the ground
CHICAGO (WGN) — If D’Andre Swift was the lightning, Roschon Johnson was the thunder, and if the Chicago Bears offensive line ever figures out how to look more formidable than a pack of wet noodles, they may have the makings of a formidable 1-2 punch after their Week 4 showing against the Los Angeles Rams.
The formula for success
The Baltimore Ravens have Derrick Henry and Justice Hill. The Detroit Lions have David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. When Tom Brady was winning Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, he had Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk. LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis. Sony Michel and James White. The examples go on.
The point is, whether it’s the Super Bowl contenders of today or the winners of the past, the formula for offensive success often depends on whether a team has their Batman and Robin of the backfield established behind their quarterback.
A dynamic duo
After shrugging off a sluggish first quarter-and-a-half of football Sunday, that one-two punch for the Bears seemed to be Roschon Johnson (the sledgehammer) and D’Andre Swift (the sword).
As it goes in most cases of combat, the bashing and bruising blunt object often softens up the opposition before the swifter, more agile tool is brought in to slice through the competition and deliver the killing blow.
The sledgehammer and the sword
As the game went on, Chicago pivoted from hammer to sword and back, tactfully delivering smashing blows, mixed in with slashing cuts.
First, it was a 27-yard pass to Swift that saw him dance his way to the Los Angeles 32-yard line just before the end of the first half. Then mid-way through the third, it was 9 and 11-yard gains from Swift, followed by a bruising 8 yards from Johnson on a run straight up the gut.
Then came the killing blow. With just a hair more than 12 minutes left in the ballgame, Swift made one cut, a leap, and turned on the jets for the final touchdown scored Sunday at Soldier Field — a 36-yard scamper into the end zone.
Growth and improvement
By the end of Sunday’s slate of NFL games, Williams registered a 124.5 passer rating when under pressure, the highest of anyone deemed a quarterback so far in Week 4 (there are two Monday night matchups yet to play).
The Bears top two running backs proved they could function formidably against the Rams, but the deciding factor of what will ultimately allow them to sink or swim rests with what dictates the success of every other component of the offense.
O-line improvements needed
The Bears offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bears don’t have an offensive lineman with a run-blocking grade in the Top 50 of their database. The Lions have three linemen inside the Top 25 for PFF’s run-blocking grade, and four inside the Top 60. The Ravens have two inside the Top 50.
As if matters early on along the offensive line couldn’t be much worse, all those penalties came on top of Teven Jenkins, arguably the Bears’ top offensive lineman, leaving the game with a rib injury.
Conclusion
It’s apparent Chicago doesn’t have the talent teams like Detroit and Baltimore have along the offensive line, but to quote the football coach behind much of New England’s success over the last 20-plus years, talent isn’t the only factor that drives improved performance.
FAQs
Q: What is the formula for offensive success?
A: The formula often depends on whether a team has their Batman and Robin of the backfield established behind their quarterback.
Q: Who are the Bears’ top two running backs?
A: The Bears’ top two running backs are Roschon Johnson and D’Andre Swift.
Q: What are the Bears’ biggest areas of improvement on offense?
A: The Bears need to improve on their offensive line, especially in run-blocking. They also need to work on reducing penalties and increasing consistent performances from their linemen.
