Bears coach Matt Nagy added an intriguing twist to the perfunctory self-scouting means of the NFL’s bye week.
“To me, it’s not so much about [looking for tendencies and predictability] as it is now you’re able to self-scout … the players and how they’re performing,” Nagy stated Monday following the Bears 24-21 loss to the Raiders in London. “That’s what this one’s probably a little bit more about, with where we’re at offensively.”
The logical inference is that adjustments may be made when the Bears return to Halas Hall on Monday. Don’t anticipate an excessive amount of. The hypothesis facilities totally on the underperforming offensive line — significantly proper guard Kyle Long — which is way from the one perpetrator, however is a good place to begin for a rejuvenation.
You repair the offensive line, enhance the run sport, put Trubisky in advantageous down-and-distance conditions, construct rhythm and momentum that places strain on the protection to defend the entire subject and out of the blue receivers are open and Trubisky’s job is that a lot simpler. That’s hardly foolproof, however an inexpensive enchancment plan in Week 6 when your roster is fairly properly set.
Be that as it could, the 3-2 Bears have a number of gamers to observe after they start the post-bye portion of their schedule. Here are 10 of them:
1. Mitch Trubisky, QB — The Bears are going into this week hoping he’ll begin in opposition to the Saints. Last yr he struggled in opposition to the Rams after lacking two video games with an harm earlier than taking part in properly in victories over the Packers and 49ers. He’s acquired to be again. And he’s acquired to be higher.
2. Akiem Hicks, DE — He suffered what regarded like a nasty elbow harm by way of pleasant fireplace early within the Raiders sport. After Khalil Mack, there’s no different defensive participant the Bears can afford to lose for an prolonged time frame.
3. Kyle Long, RG — Battling a hip harm, Long’s play has regressed previous the purpose of simply not being pretty much as good as he was in his prime. Whether it’s Long’s personal enchancment or Plan B, the Bears must improve efficiency at this place.
4. Charles Leno, RT — A Pro Bowl participant as an alternate final yr, Leno is struggling to seek out his 2018 type. He already has been referred to as for extra penalties (eight) in 5 video games than all of final season (seven).
5. Roquan Smith, LB — He returned from a one-game absence for a private concern, however wasn’t the identical participant in opposition to the Raiders, regardless of 9 tackles. If this case lingers, Nick Kwiatkoski will seem like a greater choice increasingly.
6. Taylor Gabriel, WR — He’s missed two video games with a concussion he suffered after scoring three touchdowns within the second quarter in opposition to the Redskins. The Bears produce other points, however nonetheless no velocity aspect to exchange Gabriel.
7. Cody Whitehair, LG/James Daniels, C — Their position-switch within the offseason appeared like a positive factor, however hasn’t panned out in addition to anticipated. Nagy stated he isn’t contemplating switching again, however their play is vital to an offensive-line enchancment.
8. Leonard Floyd, LB — Was on his option to the much-anticipated breakout season when he sacked Aaron Rodgers twice within the opener, however hasn’t made an impression play since — and was significantly quiet (one sort out) in opposition to the Raiders.
9. Bilal Nichols, DL — He’s missed the final three video games with a damaged proper hand he suffered in Week 2 in opposition to the Broncos. The Bears’ depth has coated for his absence, but when Hicks is out any size of time, his return turns into rather more important.
10. David Montgomery, RB — The rookie may be a superb match for Nagy’s offense, however he has struggled to make one thing out of nothing. He has 69 carries for 225 yards (3.Three avg.) and two touchdowns and 9 receptions for 72 yards (8.zero avg.).