The Chicago Bears faced off against the Cleveland Browns last week, a matchup that has been overshadowed by the team’s ongoing injury woes. While the game revealed little in terms of player performance, it highlighted critical injuries that could impact the Bears’ effectiveness going into their next match against the Green Bay Packers.
One notable casualty from the Browns game is Rome Odunze, the Bears’ standout receiver known for making big plays. Odunze, who was already dealing with a foot injury, aggravated the condition during pre-game warmups, leading to his exclusion from the upcoming game. Adding to the Bears’ challenges, rookie receiver Luther Burden III has also been declared out due to an ankle injury. Running back D’Andre Swift, a vital asset to the team, appears on the injury report with a groin strain, placing his status for Saturday in jeopardy.
These injuries are particularly concerning given the performance of Caleb Williams, the Bears’ quarterback. Williams has struggled significantly this season, ranking last in the league for completion percentage despite having a solid offensive line and supporting cast. His underwhelming statistics are magnified by his position at the bottom of the Next Gen Stat’s Completion Percentage Over Expected (CPOE) ranking, showing a clear disconnect between his potential and performance on the field.
While Williams averages a commendable 11.8 yards per completion, this figure masks underlying issues. A closer look reveals that his air yards per completion stand at 5.9, suggesting that his high yardage is largely due to yards after catch (YAC) made by his receivers rather than his passing accuracy. YAC is typically influenced by the receiver’s skill and the offensive play design, which, in the Bears’ case, heavily hinges on the contributions of players like Swift and Burden—both of whom are now sidelined.
Swift currently leads the team in YAC and has shown impressive catch metrics, while Burden emerged as a reliable option in recent games, significantly boosting the Bears’ passing efficiency. With both players out, the Bears face a daunting challenge not only in maintaining their offensive rhythm but also in replicating the explosive plays that have characterized their recent performances.
In the absence of Burden and a potential absence of Swift, the Bears’ lineup depth will be tested. Kyle Monangai may take over running back duties, but he has shown inconsistency in the passing game. Olamide Zaccheus, likely to fill in for Burden, also has a history of drops, raising concerns about his ability to step up effectively.
Further complicating matters is DJ Moore, a once-prominent receiver whose production has declined over the past couple of seasons. Despite some improvements in his average depth of target, he struggles to match the impact that Odunze and Burden have had on the team. With the injuries compounding, the Bears’ passing game will need to adapt quickly if they hope to pose a competitive threat against the Packers.
The injury woes certainly cast a shadow over the Bears’ prospects going into Saturday’s game, yet it also presents an opportunity for other players to rise to the occasion and showcase their talent. With the right adjustments and a stronger emphasis on playmaking, the Bears can still aim for a promising performance despite their setbacks.