The Chicago Bears secured a victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, but not all aspects of the game were satisfactory, raising concerns for the team moving forward. Key players, including the starting running back, D’Andre Swift, should be on alert as their performance may affect their positions on the roster.
D’Andre Swift, who had been gaining momentum in recent weeks, struggled during the game, amassing only 15 yards on eight carries. Although there was a questionable fumble, it is his overall drop in effectiveness that stands out, particularly as he was passed over for crucial plays in favor of rookie Kyle Monangai. While facing a formidable Steelers defense could partly explain his difficulties, Swift’s lack of aggression and dynamic running suggests a worrying trend that may put his role at risk.
In another development, tackle Theo Benedet missed the game due to a quad injury sustained in practice, creating uncertainty about his future with the team. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo performed well in his absence, raising questions about Benedet’s long-term viability as a starter. The Bears may consider giving Trapilo more opportunities to prove himself, indicating that Benedet’s position might be more precarious than previously thought.
Despite the team’s win, quarterback Caleb Williams had a mixed performance with 239 yards and three touchdowns, yet his completion percentage dipped to 59.2% for the season. Critics are now calling for improvements, especially regarding his accuracy on passes, particularly over the middle of the field. Notable misses to players like Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze were glaring and have led to discussions about the potential for improvement in the passing game.
Overall, while the Bears can celebrate their victory, these performance issues could have significant implications for both individual players and the team’s future strategies on the field. There remains hope that with constructive adjustments, the team can address these weaknesses and build on their successes.