Five Chicago Bears That Need An Intense Week 2
To help the team bounce back from its disastrous Week 1 performance, here are five Chicago Bears that need an intense Week 2 version.
The Chicago Bears, season is already under siege as they head into week 2 of the NFL season. The Green Bay Packers‘ hopes for the offseason are progressively eroding after a heartbreaking loss to a longtime foe. The players must step against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 to avoid a lengthy season. Head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy have received the brunt of the criticism.
The Chicago Bears had high expectations heading into the 2023 campaign, especially on the offensive side of the ball. With a redesigned offensive line and the addition of standout wide receiver DJ Moore, franchise quarterback Justin Fields’ development was synchronized. Fields and the rest of the Bears roster are under pressure to rebound in Week 2 following a 38-20 defeat, though.
Justin Fields
Justin Fields is the most crucial member of the Chicago Bears as the starting quarterback and emblem of the team. Fields has to prove to teammates and fans that he is the player they all feel he can be in his third season in the NFL Fields’ talent has never been in doubt; instead, it is his capacity to respond to NFL defenses and avoid holding onto the ball for an excessive amount of time.
Fields must ensure that his performance in week 2 mirrors what fans witnessed between him and DJ Moore throughout the preseason, despite the abundance of offensive skill in his immediate surroundings.
While many are contesting Eberflus and Getsy’s strategy, the best players should be able to overcome any difficulties. Fields was primarily focused on passing horizontally rather than vertically, although his throws were poor when he did glance downfield.
Fields has struggled against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ blitzing defense, which is still among the finest in the league. He won’t suddenly become the league’s most prolific passer, but a better performance in Week 2 is required.
Chase Claypool
Chase Claypool, a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, is possibly the guy on the roster who receives the most attention as the team enters Week 2. Many supporters loved adding a big, strong receiver to the offensive playbook when general manager Ryan Poles acquired Claypool at the trade deadline last year for a 2023 second-round draft.
Sadly, Claypool has not had much luck. He had a terrible first week of the season. His utter inability to block on several screen throws was even worse than his two targets for no receptions and 0 yards. Although receivers don’t always control their stat lines, Week 2 demands more.
Nate Davis
To strengthen the offensive line for the Chicago Bears, the Tennessee Titans signed free agent Nate Davis. PFF evaluated him at a team-lowest 48.6 over 70+ snaps following a preseason hampered by injuries, personal troubles, and a lack of playing time.
In their game against the Packers, the Bears had some success running the ball, but their passing offense never got going. In Week 2, Davis and the rest of the offensive line must step up for the Chicago Bears because Fields appears to be under constant pressure. Players like Vita Vea, Devin White, and Shaquil Barrett will be on the field.
Yannick Ngakoue
The Chicago Bears defense had several unanswered questions heading into the 2023–2024 season, particularly along the defensive line. However, how the Bears intended to attack the quarterback appeared to be a problem the club would have to deal with all season. The team spent tremendous money on the inside of the line.
Then, after the preseason, the club added 66-sack veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue to the lineup. Ngakoue, who sacked Jordan Love once, was among the few positives in their Week 1 defeat.
With just four rushers able to reach the quarterback due to defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ cover defense, Ngakoue is under increased pressure. The experienced defensive end is the starting point and the finishing line for the Chicago Bears’ onslaught on Buccaneer quarterback Baker Mayfield in Week 2.
Tyrique Stevenson
The new Bears cornerback has already made a name for himself as an essential player in the defense. Tyrique Stevenson will have to keep moving up the Bears depth chart at his current rate in light of the news that Kyler Gordon is out permanently.
His devastating hit on Packers receiver Jayden Reed to start the season perfectly matched Matt Eberflus’ H.I.T.S. concept. Stevenson was one of the team’s few shining lights, even if Romeo Doubs subsequently let him down on a touchdown.
The youngster will need to mature more quickly than the organization had anticipated since competing against wideouts like Buccaneer Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will be complex.