Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears Offensive Struggles Continue
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina, Imagn Images
CHICAGO (PSF) — The Chicago Bears (1-1) fell to the Houston Texans (2-0), the final score being 19-13. Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams took a few steps forward, but more steps backwards, throwing over 170 yards and multiple interceptions.
There was hope for improvement among Bears fans leading into their Week 2 matchup with the Texans, and there was improvement. Unfortunately for fans, it wasn’t the way some of them thought it’d be.
Williams’ performance compared to the previous game had both positives and negatives. The good news was that he improved his passing numbers, throwing for 174 yards. The bad news was, he made rookie mistakes, totaling in two interceptions against Houston.
The Bears offensive line saw some changes this past offseason. Adding two new additions in center Coleman Shelton and offensive tackle Ryan Bates. The former in Shelton had a mixed day against the Texans defense, having some good pass blocking plays, then questionable run plays the next.
Caleb Williams had an average time to throw of 2.59 seconds against Houston, according to Sean Hammond of the Daily Herald. That quick time to throw didn’t help the Bears as Williams was sacked seven times by opposing pass rushers, defensive ends Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. leading the way with 1.5 sacks each.
One thing that the offense managed to accomplish compared to last week was score a touchdown, which was accomplished by running back Khalil Herbert who only had two rushing attempts for three yards against the Texans. RB D’Andre Swift struggled again as a runner, averaging 1.3 yards per carry.
Wide receiver D.J. Moore lead the receiving core with six catches for 53 yards, followed by rookie WR Rome Odunze who had two catches for 33 yards.
Chicago did all it could on the defensive side to get a chance to win. With linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, LB Jack Sanborn, and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. each having a sack on Texans QB C.J. Stroud. Dexter in particular now has two sacks on the season with one in each game.
The Bears now have to go back to the drawing board with their gameplans for Week 3. This Sunday, Sept. 22, they travel to face their third straight AFC South opponent. This time, it’s the Indianapolis Colts (0-2), who are dealing with their own offensive struggles.
QB Anthony Richardson threw for 204 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions against the Green Bay Packers. Will Chicago be able to bring the same pressure against Indianapolis, or will there be further struggles?
