Bears vs. Colts: 3 keys to a Chicago Bears victory

After two weeks of NFL action, the Chicago Bears sit at 1-1, exactly where most fans and analysts expected them to be. Up next is a road tilt with the Indianapolis Colts, a team that has struggled far more than expected. Even against Malik Willis and the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, the Colts gave up over 200 rushing yards and lost 16-10.

To make matters worse for Indianapolis, star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner has landed on IR along with JuJu Brents, the Colts’ best defensive back, and rookie defensive end Laiatu Latu missed Thursday’s practice with a hip injury he suffered last week.

Going against an 0-2 Colts team that is banged up on defense should be exactly the kind of get-right game the Bears’ offense has been looking for. But this is the NFL. It’s hard to win even in favorable circumstances and the Bears can’t afford to overlook their opponents.

Here are three keys to a Chicago Bears victory on Sunday.

Get the run game going

The Colts are giving up 237 rushing yards per game so far and now they’re missing their best defensive tackle. There is absolutely no excuse for Shane Waldron, D’Andre Swift, and the rest to not run all over this defense.

Thus far, Chicago’s running backs have gained just 82 yards on 33 carries, and it’s been a big reason why Caleb Williams is off to a slow start. In Week 3, they should easily double that number if they want to be taken seriously. Otherwise, we might be looking at one of the worst running back rooms in franchise history.

Give Williams time to throw

The Bears’ offensive line gave up seven sacks and 36 QB pressures in Week 2. Granted, the Houston Texans have a strong defense and are serious title contenders, but that was still a pathetic performance by the offensive line and it earned them “dud” status for the week.

The Bears finally draw an easier assignment on Sunday: a Colts’ defensive line that will be without their star 3-tech and possibly without their best defensive end, as well.

Just like the run game, this unit has no excuses not to show up and ball out on Sunday. Williams’ jersey had better be as clean as if it just came out of the dryer when this game ends. If he has time to throw, I have no doubt that he’ll put up the kind of numbers that reminds everyone why he was the first overall pick.

Stop Jonathan Taylor

Right now, I’m not too worried about the Colt’s passing attack. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is making just his seventh NFL start and his receivers have not been helping him out much. Chicago’s secondary and linebackers should feast.

This might have been one of the worst collective performances from the Colts WRs I’ve seen. Multiple drops, like this one from Michael Pittman Jr: pic.twitter.com/i80R2Gkz0r

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 16, 2024

Jonathan Taylor is the one part of their offense that could throw off Chicago’s game plan. If the Bears’ defensive line can overwhelm the Colts’ run-blocking assignments and limit Taylor, the Colts might not find the endzone even once on Sunday.

Final prediction: Bears win 34-10

I don’t love predicting a blowout win for the Bears given the way they’ve played so far, but this game feels setup for them to finally start living up to the preseason hype. The Colts’ defense has been awful and now they’re missing at least two key pieces. Their passing game has struggled mightily while the Bears boast a strong secondary.

All things considered, the Bears should cruise to victory with Williams throwing three touchdowns and just over 300 yards. Swift will break the century mark and the defense will take the ball away at least three times while giving up just one garbage-time touchdown. I promise I’m not trying to jinx anything, Bears fans, but I truly believe that this week will be the start of that special season you’ve been hoping to see.