Bears Ground Game Shines Despite Criticism of Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams may not have dazzled on the field, but the Chicago Bears’ dominant ground game told a different story in their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With an impressive 281 rushing yards and two running backs surpassing the 100-yard mark for the first time since 1985, the Bears showcased a style of play that could carry them deep into the playoffs. While the passing game lacked the flair seen in previous outings against teams like Cincinnati and Dallas, the Bears’ 24-15 victory illustrated that a strong running attack can be just as effective.
A Game Manager’s Role
In a performance reminiscent of an old-school quarterback, Williams executed the role of a game manager rather than a gunslinger. His game was marked by a series of efficient, albeit uneventful, plays—think of him more like Bill Wade, opting for straightforward 3-yard quarterback sneaks rather than flashy passes. The focus for the Bears was clearly on the ground game, and the Eagles’ defense had no answers as they were effectively neutralized by the Bears’ relentless rushing assault.
Coach Ben Johnson praised the effectiveness of his team’s running game in the aftermath. “Can’t say enough about that running game,” he noted. “I don’t think we win that game if we’re not able to run the ball like we were. Both of our backs over 100 yards was just outstanding. You could feel decisiveness, you could feel them hitting downhill.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he recounted how his players “turned on the gas and were lowering their shoulders.”
Offensive Line Dominance
The Bears’ offensive line, featuring Ozzy Trapilo at left tackle in place of Theo Benedet, executed a range of blocking schemes that kept the Eagles’ defense on its heels. The combination of wide zone, inside zone, and gap blocking allowed D’Andre Swift (125 yards) and Kyle Monangai (130 yards) to find ample running lanes. As the line pushed back against Jalen Carter and an Eagles defense that had previously won a Super Bowl, the running backs enjoyed the freedom to survey the field and make decisive cuts.
Despite the Bears’ success on the ground, the scrutiny on Williams intensified. Social media was rife with jabs questioning his quarterbacking abilities, as one user provocatively asked, “CAN YOU PLAY QB ANY WORSE THAN THIS?”
The contrast between the Bears’ powerful rushing attack and Williams’ subdued performance highlights a fundamental truth: while the quarterback may not have been the star of the show, the effectiveness of the running game was a testament to the team’s overall strategy and execution. As the Bears move forward, this balance between a strong ground game and Williams’ development will be crucial for their success in the remainder of the season.
