Trying to pinpoint the weaknesses with the Bears heading into Week 9

The Pittsburgh Steelers have another test ahead of them in Week 9 of the 2021 regular season when they host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The Bears are 3-5 after a Week 8 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last Sunday, and with players like Justin Fields and Allen Robinson, the Steelers will have their hands full.

With all the talk about the big name players for Chicago, it isn’t as if their roster is perfect. In fact, there are plenty of issues on both sides of the ball. Every unit has their weaknesses. This week I was able to ask Patti Curl of Windy City Gridiron several questions leading up to the Week 9 matchup. One of those questions was where he thought the weakness on the Bears’ offense resided.

Here is what he said about the offense:

Certainly the Bears do not have any weaknesses. They do, however, have areas of strength that may not be as strong as the league average. On offense, these would include pass-blocking, scheme, receiver depth, and lack of quarterback experience.

Talk about a general, and rose-colored lens to look at an offense which has struggled in several areas this season. Not only have they turned the ball over at a tremendous rate, but they haven’t been able to protect the quarterback, regardless of if it’s Andy Dalton or Justin Fields. Nonetheless, if the Bears have one thing they do well it is run the football. They run the ball better than they throw it, which is very Ravens-like in today’s pass-happy NFL. But what about the Chicago defense? Where are the kinks in their armor?

On defense, the Bears secondary strength leaves quite a bit to be desired, with Jaylon Johnson the only Bear playing at a high level this season. The Bears defensive line, and middle linebacker Roquan Smith are legitimate strengths, and new defensive coordinator Sean Desai has done a good job of scheming away that limits the liability of the secondary, but sometimes it all breaks down. Hopefully, Khalil Mack will be ready in time for Monday.

It should be noted the Bears will not have Mack available to them with him already being ruled out of the game due to injury. Nonetheless, the Bears’ defense certainly has had its share of struggles this season, similar to the offense. The Chicago defense has been shredded on the ground, and this could mean big things for Najee Harris and an improving offensive line.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for Week 9 of the 2021 regular season.