After the first three weeks of the NFL season, the Chicago Bears are 1-2, leaving fans with mixed emotions for how the rest of the season will pan out.
In Week 1, the Bears faced the Tennessee Titans. At one point, they were losing 17-0, looking like the same team from last year despite all the off-season moves. The defense and special teams stepped up for the Bears and scored two touchdowns off of an interception and a blocked punt, leading them to a 24-17 victory. Despite the win, Bears fans were left worried as the offense produced zero points. The only points came from the defense, special teams, and kicker Cairo Santos.
In Week 2, the Bears faced a star-studded offense in the Houston Texans. People were very excited to watch the QB matchup between star second-year quarterback CJ Stroud, and Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Many fans were disappointed as Williams threw for only 174 yards and two interceptions. It was an ugly game for the Bears as they lost 19-13. The offense looked outclassed compared to the Texans, as they were outgained by 105 yards.
In Week 3, the Bears faced the 0-2 Indianapolis Colts that put up only 10 points against the Green Bay Packers the week prior. In the game, Caleb Williams threw for 363 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also fumbled the ball giving the Colts very good field position only 20 yards from the end zone. Many fans were again frustrated with the Bears as the offensive line struggled, resulting in Williams taking 4 sacks for 31 yards.
The biggest concern for Bears fans was the offensive line. Against the Texans, Williams was pressured 36 times on 42 dropbacks. This is a big concern for Bears fans as they want to see Caleb Williams have time to succeed in the offense.
Following the first two games, there are a variety of feelings and emotions that Bears fans are feeling.
One side of Bears fans are very positive and patient regarding the Bears season.
“I think Caleb Williams, by Week 5, will be great and everyone on the team will click. I also think the Bears will end [the season] with a winning record,” freshman Owen Koehnemann said.
Junior Dylan Cran believes the team will pull it together after a disappointing three weeks.
“As of right now, I’m trying not to lose hope. Caleb Williams is going to turn it around, and the defense is top three in the league. Personally, I think they will be better in the upcoming weeks,” Cran said.
Senior Huston O’Neil believes the Bears have more to show than their first three games.
“I think the Bears have not yet reached their full potential. They are far from it. The defense looks great, the offense is frustrating but I’m used to it as a Bears fan. I am not worried about Caleb [Williams] being a bust, I think he will be great. He just needs anything but the offensive line he has now,” O’Neil said.
Although O’Neil has high hopes for the team, he can’t hide his disappointment from the team’s result on Sunday night.
“I have never been so frustrated watching a Bears game than the game against the Texans,” O’Neil said.
Although some fans have high hopes for the Bears, many fans are worried about the rest of the season. Not only about the team’s success, but the success and health of their rookie quarterback.
Athletic Trainer and Bears fan Bart Castillo spoke on his thoughts about the Bears so far this season.
“I think the Bears are lucky to have one win. I think the defense looks like a top 10 defense, but I think the offense looks like a bottom 10 offense. I’m not concerned about Caleb Williams, but I am concerned about his health and well-being behind the offensive line that seems to be a piece of Swiss cheese. There are holes everywhere. I’m hoping that somehow we can sneak into the playoffs,” Castillo said.
Sophomore Peter Douglass spoke on his thoughts on the struggling Bears offense.
“The offense has been struggling, and I think Williams has shown that he is definitely a rookie quarterback. The NFL is a lot different than college. The pressure and the defenses are different. I think the offensive line needs to improve a lot. I think they need better players,” Douglass said.
The general consensus of fans is that the Bears have a very strong defense, and an offense that is being restricted by a very weak offensive line. Overall, Bears fans were definitely disappointed, but are trying to keep hope that the team will turn it around in the next few weeks. Many fans will anxiously watch the Bears and Caleb Williams try to bring the Bears back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
