Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 22nd 2024

Preview and Prediction

If stress creates precious stones, the Bears can confidently refer to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams as a valuable asset. Williams and the Bears will hit the road for the second consecutive game, traveling to Indianapolis on Sunday. Despite the rough start, Chicago plans to stick with their current personnel to protect Williams. Head coach Matt Eberflus is optimistic that the team will improve and learn from their mistakes. In their previous game against the Texans, Williams was sacked seven times and hit four other times while in the pocket.

Eberflus acknowledged the pressure that Williams faced in the game, but also sees it as a learning opportunity. Depending on who you ask, Williams has either lacked protection or patience to utilize the talented weapons that the Bears have assembled around him. He currently leads the team in rushing yards and has only one completion over 20 yards. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass and has been sacked nine times in his first two NFL games. In their game against the Texans, Williams' completion percentage dropped to below 35% when he was under pressure, resulting in only 33 yards and two interceptions.

Despite feeling a bit bruised, Williams stated that he is still able to throw and run effectively. The Bears were able to overcome a 17-point deficit in their season opener against the Titans, but only managed to gain 148 yards of total offense. With a run-pass ratio of 44-66 through two games, the Bears are currently converting only 26.7% of their third downs. Star wide receiver DJ Moore expressed his frustration during their loss, but later admitted that he showed too much emotion on the sidelines. He stressed the importance of the team finding their identity, whether it be through running or passing the ball.

Moore was not listed on the injury report, but two other receivers, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze, are not at full strength. The Colts may be vulnerable to the Bears' running game, as they allowed 151 rushing yards in their previous game against the Packers. However, the Colts suffered a major loss when defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Colts coach Shane Steichen described Buckner as a phenomenal teammate and player, and acknowledged that his absence will be a huge blow to the team.

With Buckner out, the Colts may rely on rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu to pressure Williams. However, Latu is currently sidelined with a hip injury. If the Bears can avoid turnovers, they may be able to take advantage of the Colts' weakened defensive front. The Colts have given up 474 rushing yards and 5.1 yards per carry so far this season. Williams has acknowledged his mistakes in the previous game, but is confident that they won't happen again. He also admitted that he is still adjusting to the NFL and getting used to being hit again.

The Bears may also face some challenges on the offensive line if guards Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis are unable to play due to injuries. Eberflus, who has a record of 11-25 as the Bears' head coach, will return to his former team, the Colts, at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts have had a rough start to their season, losing their first two games against the Texans and the Packers. Their first-round pick, Anthony Richardson, has thrown three interceptions and has a passer rating of 63.1. Despite being drafted fourth overall, this will only be Richardson's seventh career start.

Steichen is not concerned about Richardson's turnovers and believes that he is making the right reads. He compared Richardson's development to that of Justin Herbert, who he helped develop during his time as the Chargers' offensive coordinator. Steichen believes that it takes time for young quarterbacks to adjust to the NFL, but is confident that Richardson will continue to improve. The Colts' offense has struggled to get going in the first three quarters of their games, only scoring a total of 16 points. However, with wide receiver Josh Downs returning to practice, they may have a valuable weapon to help their young quarterback.

The Colts have been successful in the running game, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. This could be a key factor in countering the Bears' aggressive front seven. Richardson has also been effective on the ground, with 10 carries for 93 yards. Steichen has a lot of respect for the Bears' defense, noting their four takeaways and a blocked punt. He knows that they will have to be prepared for the Bears' movement and aggressiveness. This will be the first meeting between the two teams since the Colts beat the Bears 19-11 in 2020.

PREDICTION

Chicago Bears

20

23

Indianapolis Colts

Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts Recap AUG 19TH 2023