The Panthers are playing the Bears at home on Sunday with a chance to push their winning streak to four games.
To learn more about this week’s opponent we spoke with Alyssa Barbieri, managing editor of Bears Wire. Here are five questions she answered about her team.
How has Nick Foles done so far compared to Mitch Trubisky?
When looking at the offense on the surface, it’s been more of the same with Nick Foles as it’s been with Mitchell Trubisky. Like Trubisky, Foles has had his struggles with accuracy and execution, which is due to some other issues on offense, starting with the offensive line and lack of a run game. But Foles has a deeper understanding of Matt Nagy’s offense and how to execute it. He’s also made better decisions with the football, as we’ve seen from him through these first three games since he’s taken over. Foles isn’t the long-term answer for the Bears. But if he and the rest of the offense can put together a complete game – with this defense – this Bears team should keep winning games.
We know Allen Robinson is great. Who are some of the other offensive playmakers on this team?
Rookie receiver Darnell Mooney has been impressive through five games this season and he’s overtaken Anthony Miller as the team’s No. 2 receiver in terms of playing time. Mooney is getting the second-most reps behind only Allen Robinson at receiver and he’s made the most of every rep. Mooney has 15 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown this season. But once Nick Foles develops more chemistry with Mooney, expect to see the Bears try to blow the top off defenses with Mooney’s downfield speed.
Tight end Jimmy Graham has also made a big impression on this offense. While his receiving numbers are modest – 17 receptions for 169 yards – it’s been his threat in the red zone that’s been important for an offense that struggled scoring in the red zone last season. Graham has four touchdowns in five games, which is one less than he had in two years with the Packers before coming to Chicago. Expect to see the Bears continue to utilize Graham’s size in the red zone.
The Bears are 4-1 right now. How far do you see them going this season?
That all depends on how things transpire on offense. So far, the offense has gotten away with some ugly performances thanks to some heroics from their defense and some favorable competition. But the schedule will heat up in the second half of the season, where Chicago will face seven playoff teams from a season ago. While it’ll be difficult for the Bears to keep pace with the Packers, who looked unstoppable right now, if the Bears can get adequate play from this offense couple with the continued success of this defense, I could see them make a run for a wildcard spot. But it certainly won’t be easy.
How have rookies Jaylon Johnson and Cole Kmet looked so far?
Jaylon Johnson has been nothing short of impressive through these first five games, as he’s become part of one of the league’s best cornerback duos alongside Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. Through five games, he’s allowed a 76.2 quarterback rating (fifth best among players with 20-plus targets) and a 44.7% completion percentage (fourth best in NFL). All that being the second-most targeted cornerback in the NFL. Cole Kmet, on the other hand, has had a much slower start. He hasn’t been involved much in the Bears offense from the start here, as he’s made just one reception for 12 yards. Matt Nagy says that the plan is to get him more involved. But that hasn’t happened so far.
Predictions for this week?
This is a game where I could see the Bears offense finding some success after two disappointing outings. The Bears defense will need to continue its success especially with stopping the run, something they’ve struggled to do. But I see the Bears winning another close one. Bears 24, Panthers 21
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