Beginning 1-2 below a first-year head coach is probably not optimum, however starting video games extra aggressively bodes properly for the Chicago Bears.
That is how the Bears see issues to start out the Ben Johnson Period coming into Sunday’s recreation versus the host Las Vegas Raiders, who are also 1-2 below new coach Pete Carroll.
Within the first three video games with Johnson on the helm, Chicago has scored 28 first-quarter factors, tied for tops within the league and yet another than they managed in 17 video games final season.
Whereas a collective command of Johnson’s a number of schemes has helped, quarterback Caleb Williams continues to indicate savvy. Williams is coming an off NFC Offensive Participant of the Week efficiency in Week 3, finishing 19 of 28 passes for 298 yards and 4 touchdowns with no interceptions in a 31-14 residence win towards Dallas.
Williams’ development as a second-year professional has impressed Johnson whereas boosting Chicago’s confidence forward of a stretch that can see the Bears play 4 of their subsequent 5 video games on the highway.
“I see him taking part in the sport along with his toes way more so than what we had within the spring or throughout coaching camp,” Johnson stated. “He is attempting to tie in No. 1 within the development with the primary hitch, No. 2 with the second hitch and we’re attempting to throw on time much more usually than possibly we have been initially. I see it coming alongside.”
Williams unfold the ball — and scoring passes — to receivers Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and tight finish Cole Kmet whereas compiling a career-best passer ranking of 142.6.
He additionally wasn’t sacked, a distinction that figures to be troublesome to duplicate towards the Raiders.
Las Vegas enters with the longest lively streak of video games with at the least one sack at 38. Defensive sort out Jonah Laulu leads the group with three, however Johnson particularly is worried about finish Maxx Crosby, a four-time Professional Bowl choice.
“He wrecks drives,” Johnson stated of Crosby (two sacks). “That is what he does.”
The Raiders know they should shore up their move rush and the remainder of a beleaguered protection towards Chicago. Las Vegas surrendered 400 yards in a 41-24 loss at Washington in Week 3, struggling to cease a Commanders group that began backup quarterback Marcus Mariota whereas utilizing a committee of working backs behind a retooled offensive line.
On the flip facet, Las Vegas gained 354 yards whereas leaning right into a particular connection between quarterback Geno Smith and receiver Tre Tucker. Smith accomplished 19 of 29 passes for 289 yards and three scores, all to Tucker, who gained 145 yards on eight receptions.
Smith has handed for 831 yards via three video games, second within the NFL, whereas throwing for 4 touchdowns towards 4 interceptions.
In the meantime, Las Vegas is aiming to shore up its working recreation. Rookie Ashton Jeanty was hit at or behind the road of scrimmage on 11 of 17 carries towards Washington.
“Now we have to get him higher spacing,” Carroll stated. “… It is the entire assault. We have simply bought to proceed to increase it and preserve him from getting hit.”
Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers was a full participant in observe on Wednesday whereas he offers with an ailing knee. Fellow tight finish Michael Mayer didn’t take part within the session because of a concussion.
Chicago working again D’Andre Swift (hip) and Kmet (groin) have been restricted in observe on Wednesday. Tight finish Colston Loveland (hip), cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring), defensive sort out Grady Jarrett (knee) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) didn’t take part in observe on Wednesday.
–Discipline Degree Media
