The Chicago Bears may have more questions about their defensive performances to begin the 2025 season in comparison to offense, but there’s still plenty left to be desired on that side of the ball as well. This week, the Bears will welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Soldier Field, looking to get their first win of the season for head coach Ben Johnson.
Chicago’s offense, led by second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, needs to find consistency as they’ve started off good early, only to shoot themselves in the foot throughout their first two games. From pre-snap penalties, to a lack of an effective running game, and missed throws to open receivers, there has been more inconsistencies than there has been production on offense, but facing a Dallas defense that allowed 37 points to the New York Giants could offer up a chance to turn it around for the Bears.
Here’s a look at the top offensive keys for the Bears as they face the Cowboys this weekend.
Cut down the penalties
In the first two games under Ben Johnson, the Bears have had 20 accepted penalties credited against them, six of which in Week 2 came against the offensive line. The 2024 season was a display of undisciplined football, poor offensive line production, and bad habits from the quarterback position, all of which doomed the offense and team success in a very disappointing year. Looking to avoid a repeat of last year, Chicago has to fix their penalty issues, especially the ones on the offensive line. Whether it’s false start or holding, each and every penalty kills all offensive momentum, and is a telling sign that there is still a lot for the team to get in line with under their new offense.
Get the tight ends involved
After selecting Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft, the Bears have yet to utilize their rookie weapon. In fact, Chicago has not used the tight end position as a whole through the first two games of the season, with Cole Kmet and Loveland being non-existent in all facets of the offense. Johnson addressed the lack of tight end use through the first two games this week, taking the blame for not getting them more involved, but now is the time to get both tight ends more opportunities. The tight end position could be used as a safety valve for quarterback Caleb Williams, but both Kmet and Loveland also pose as deep-threat weapons in the passing game as well.
Unleash Caleb Williams
Last week, the Cowboys were involved in an overtime thrilled against the New York Giants, where they pulled off a 40-37 overtime victory, but quarterback Russell Wilson shined for most of the game against the Dallas defense. Although Wilson threw a decisive interception in overtime, he totaled 450 passing yards and three touchdowns on the day, meaning there is plenty of opportunity for Caleb Williams against the Dallas defense. Johnson said this week that he has seen significant growth in Williams play through the first two weeks of the season, and if that growth continues, it’s time to take the handcuffs off the young quarterback. If Wilson could look like his old self against the Cowboys defense, the opportunities are endless for Williams and the weapons he has in the passing game in Chicago’s offense.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 keys for Bears offense vs. Cowboys in Week 3
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
