The Chicago Bears became one of the most popular and explosive teams in professional sports a year ago when Caleb Williams led the team to the top of the NFC North and a playoff victory with a series of shocking and memorable last-minute plays.
Prior to Williams' arrival in Chicago, the Bears' offense had been pedestrian at best and substandard at worst. Williams was the No. 1 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he had earned that status based on his arm strength, accuracy and creativity. He was also looked at as an “above average” runner who could escape pass-rush pressure on a regular basis.
The scouting report was clearly positive, but his ability to escape the pass rush was underestimated. Instead of being adequate or good in that area, he has been sensational. His ability to make plays on the run is one of the primary reasons that the Bears were successful last year in multiple games.
Williams was a full participant in the Bears' Wednesday practice session, and it seems extremely likely that he will make his first appearances since injuring his hamstring in the team's Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared to be on his way to leading the Bears to a possible comeback victory over Minnesota, but his hamstring gave out and the Bears' chances of winning disappeared.
The Bears won two games without Williams, but they fell apart in a brutal 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Bears would not put Williams back in the lineup just because they are coming off a loss. The coaches and the team's medical staff won't give final approval until they are sure he is healthy.
Williams should be back, but Falcons are more dangerous
That seems very likely at this point, but it won't matter against the Atlanta Falcons, running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London. The Falcons look like the better team and they can take advantage of the Bears' underperforming defense.
Bijan Robinson is the leading runner in the league and he is the key to head coach Kevin Stefanski's offense. The numbers are very good for the Falcons' primary running back because he leads the league with 580 yards on 102 carries for an average of 5.7 yards per carry and 4 TDS. He is currently holding off Kenneth Walker III, James Cook and Jahmyr Gibbs for league lead in ground yards gained.
A year ago, Robinson rushed for 1,478 yards and he also had 2,298 yards from scrimmage. He is capable of dominating any game with his speed and explosiveness. He dares opposing linebackers and defensive backs to come after him in space because they simply can't catch him.
Robinson gets plenty of support from fellow running back Brian Robinson. He has rushed for 210 yards, a 4.1 yards per carry average and has also scored 4 rushing touchdowns. The fact that the Falcons can turn to their backup running back in key situations has helped them develop one of the most productive ground games in the league.
London is a big-play receiver for quarterback Michael Penix. London has caught 27 of 37 targets for 488 yards with 8 receptions of 20 yards or more. However, he has not gotten into the endzone yet this season, and that could change in this game.
Penix took a hard shot to the ribs in the latter stages of the fourth quarter in the Falcons' Sunday night overtime loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Backup Tua Tagovailoa had to finish the game for the Falcons, but Penix was a full participant in the team's Wednesday practice session.
Article Continues BelowPenix is 2-1 in his three starts this season, and he has shown growth in his game. He has completed 52 of 77 passes for 719 yards with 3 TDs and just 1 interception. If he can keep from turning the ball over against the Bears, the Falcons are quite confident they can move the ball consistently.
Bears defense is not dominant
The Bears have a mediocre pass defense as they are allowing 215.4 passing yards per game. The biggest issue for the Bears is their inability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Austin Booker had 2.0 sacks in the loss to the Packers, but none of the other pass rushers were able to get to Jordan Love. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was expecting a big year from Montez Sweat, but the defensive end has just 2.0 sacks this season. He was suspended two games by the NFL earlier this week for violating the performance-enhancing substance policy.
His absence in this game will be a significant issue for the Bears.
A year ago, the Bears were the top team in the league at forcing turnovers. That has not been the case this year as they are minus-4 on the turnover/takeaway table. If the Bears can't reverse that situation in this game, it will be difficult for them to slow down the explosive Bijan Robinson and London.