All right, let’s try this again.
After two unfavorable matchups and failed tests for the Chicago Bears offensive line, we’re still looking for their first rock-solid performance of the 2024 season. The Titans’ phenomenal interior duo of Jeffrey Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat had their way with Chicago’s big boys up front in Week 1. And in Week 2, it was Houston’s edge rushing duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. feasting on the Bears offensive line. The common theme was that the Bears’ O-Line faced tough tests, and failed them both.
The good news is that many of their mistakes can be corrected with reps and continuity. That, and there is a challenge that is, on paper, not nearly as difficult as their past two matchups. The Colts’ defensive line hasn’t been the model of success thus far this season, and they’ll be without their All-Pro in DeForrest Buckner.
Let’s look at the matchup.
Bears Projected Starting Offensive Line
Colts Projected Starting Defensive Line
The Matchup
Honestly, this matchup doesn’t feel all that complicated to me. As we all know well, Chicago’s offensive line comes into this game struggling. Their footwork and technique look off, and they appear to be trying to work through a lot of those problems on the fly. This week, I think what we’re looking for is progress, one step at a time.
This offensive line isn’t suddenly going to vault into a top-five unit overnight. But what they can do this week is get better (though honestly, it’s hard to be much worse than last week).
The Colts have a defensive line that’s already beat up and will be without their best player. They had some success getting to C.J. Stroud in Week 1, but they had no success at all really in rushing Malik Willis last week in Green Bay. For a unit that’s struggling as well, one would have to think Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley will try and get creative with the types of stunts and blitzes he sends after seeing what Houston was able to do to Chicago’s OL last week.
Coming into this Week 3 matchup, Indy’s defensive line has one of the NFL’s worst pass rush win rates (PRWR) according to . Through two weeks they’ve won just 32% of their pass rush attempts. They have been better against the run with a 17th-ranked run-stop win rate (RSWR). They have an RSWR of 31%.
From a personnel standpoint, Indy has two defensive linemen who crack the top 20 in any of ESPN’s win-rate metrics, but one (DeForrest Buckner) won’t be on the field. Grover Stewart, the other starting defensive tackle, has the third-best RSWR among defensive tackles. He’s won 27 of his 50 reps (54%) and 32% of his double-team reps. With Buckner out of the lineup, expect him to be the primary double-team focus for Chicago in their run game this week.
One thing I would like to see from ♒Bears Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron in his run-game scheme this week is more gap schemes (power, counter) as opposed to zone schemes (inside zone, outside zone). Gap schemes are more man-to-man type blocks that can allow linemen more of a true double-team opportunity instead of one OL starting the double with the second man taking it over.
Gap schemes allow a whole lot more opportunities for linemen to get run-heavy in their stance and fire off quickly and aggressively. Right now, I think that’s the best chance for Chicago’s OL to get back on track. Less thinking, more hitting. Run power, let Teven Jenkins pull and lead up a hole, and let the rest of the linemen block down and get downhill with some aggression.
X-Factor
This one is fairly simple for me. The Bears need to win the interior matchup. While all pressure is bad, interior pressure is an absolute killer for any quarterback. Grover Stewart has done a nice job in the middle for Indy. And with Buckner out, Stewart becomes the main focus. Double-team him when you get a chance. Help out Coleman Shelton when he has that matchup. Employ straight double teams to account for him. The tackles should have an easier time this week than with last week’s tough matchup. Take care of the middle, and the rest will come along.
