Beginning 1-2 underneath a first-year head coach will not be optimum, however starting video games extra aggressively bodes properly for the Chicago Bears.
That is how the Bears see issues to begin the Ben Johnson Period coming into Sunday’s sport versus the host Las Vegas Raiders, who are also 1-2 underneath 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 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 house win towards Dallas.
Williams’ development as a second-year professional has impressed Johnson whereas boosting Chicago’s confidence forward of a stretch that may see the Bears play 4 of their subsequent 5 video games on the highway.
“I see him taking part in the sport together with his ft way more so than what we had within the spring or throughout coaching camp,” Johnson stated. “He is making an attempt to tie in No. 1 within the development with the primary hitch, No. 2 with the second hitch and we’re making an attempt to throw on time much more usually than perhaps we had 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 score 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 deal with Jonah Laulu leads the staff with three, however Johnson particularly is anxious 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 go 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 staff that began backup quarterback Marcus Mariota whereas utilizing a committee of working backs behind a retooled offensive line.
On the flip aspect, 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 by way of 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 sport. Rookie Ashton Jeanty was hit at or behind the road of scrimmage on 11 of 17 carries towards Washington.
“We now have to get him higher spacing,” Carroll stated. “… It is the entire assault. We have simply received to proceed to increase it and hold him from getting hit.”
Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers was a full participant in follow on Wednesday whereas he offers with an ailing knee. Fellow tight finish Michael Mayer didn’t take part within the session as a consequence of a concussion.
Chicago working again D’Andre Swift (hip) and Kmet (groin) had been restricted in follow on Wednesday. Tight finish Colston Loveland (hip), cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring), defensive deal with Grady Jarrett (knee) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) didn’t take part in follow on Wednesday.
–Area Stage Media
