3 biggest storylines ahead of Bears vs. Rams in Week 4

Gameday is here! The Chicago Bears are sitting with a less than ideal 1-2 record heading into today’s game, but unbridled frustration from the fanbase would have you believe the season was already lost. Qualms with the organization are justified, to a certain degree: promises of a revamped offense under rookie QB Caleb Williams and OC Shane Waldron have not been kept, resulting in a nearly unwatchable offense through the first few weeks. The defense has not only lived up to but exceeded expectations, but even they cannot make up for their counterparts’ lack of production.

Week 4’s battle against the Los Angeles Rams at home provides another chance for the team to harmoniously come together, but they’re west coast opponent will not make it easy. While it’s true they’re also in the 1-2 wagon, mastermind playcaller Sean McVay and savvy QB Matthew Stafford run an airtight ship, and they have a proven track record of overcoming adversity.

Getting back to a stable .500 record hangs in the balance, so let’s discuss the three biggest storylines ahead of Bears vs. Rams in Week 4.

1. Will QB Caleb Williams and the make a big leap?

The Bears have suffered major hiccups in their offensive operation the first few weeks, with every position underperforming at one point or another, sinking the product as a whole. Although the team has done a poor job of moving the chains and getting the ball across the goal line, a more optimistic perspective can be assumed if one squints at Chicago the right way. It can’t be denied they have made improvements, no matter how small: In Week 3, the unit finished two drives on the heels of the first two passing touchdowns of Williams’s career – although the scores came too late, as the game was already out of hand. The steady incline can’t stop there, and they’ll be tasked with becoming much more of a threat against the similarly 1-2 Rams.

Several positions need to kick themselves into gear if Chicago is to turn up the heat offensively Sunday. The offensive line is a crucial one, but we’ll address that in just a bit. That leaves Williams, the rushing attack and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, as all have let down the unit at one point or another. Williams will need to build on his renewed confidence throwing down the field and go without turning the ball over; he’s thrown an interception in every game so far. Labeling the ‘backs as ineffective may be a bit unfair, since it’s really just starter D’Andre Swift who’s squandered his large workload. Backups Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson are expected to be more of a presence today, and that’s a credit to Waldron’s judgment, who’s had his own share of criticism lobbed his way for his offense’s lack of production. He’ll be challenged to find what his offense’s identity is and punish LA’s defense with that revelation.

The offense will get another crack at keeping up with the defense’s level of execution in Week 4.

2. Can the Bears' defense stop QB Matthew Stafford?

Besides public enemy number one Aaron Rodgers, you’d be hard-pressed to find a quarterback who has come to blows with the Bears as many times as former Lions’ signal-caller Matthew Stafford has. The one-time Detroit Lion has tangled with Chicago twice a year from 2009 until his departure from the NFC North in 2021, and he’s since gone to earn his place as one of the modern greats by winning a Super Bowl in 2022. For well over a decade, he was a bitter rival of the Bears, and he sent them home with a loss on several occasions. Still, the city has always had a begrudging respect for Stafford, and many were happy to see him win a title. None of that good grace will be held for Stafford in Week 4, as Chicago’s elite defense will do all they can to smother the Rams’ passing game.

The Rams have suffered some crushing blows to their passing attack, losing star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to injury. The signal-caller will have non-impact skill players to work with this Sunday, which means the Bears’ defense has an opportunity to lock down their opponent. Chicago has a clear advantage in talent, but Stafford and his playcaller, head coach Sean McVay, are crafty and can pull the defense out of position to create big plays.

The Bears have a good shot at winning if the defense plays disciplined football and enforces their will upon a meager Rams’ receiving corps.

3. Will the offensive line improve?

The troubles of the offensive line is a whole other can of worms that stands even more disgraced than the rest of their unit – they’ve really disappointed this year. Nothing has been clicking for the big guys: offseason signees Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates have failed to meet expectations, and what was once seen as a promising corps that features right tackle Darnell Wright and left guard Teven Jenkins has seemingly lost their feel for the fundamentals, and it’s been tough sledding in getting back to solid line play.

Another week begets another opportunity for the Bears to get the better of their opponent, and they are not completely outmatched by the Rams’ front four, at least on paper. The Rams are no longer that fearsome defense highlighted by the one-man wrecking crew that was defensive tackle Aaron Donald; first-round pick Jared Verse is one of the few disruptive pass-rushers the Bears have to worry about. The Bears’ offense improved the last few weeks and so did the offensive line, so there’s a glimmer of hope that they’ll handle business at Soldier Field today.

If Chicago comes away from Week 4 with a 2-2 record, the offensive line imposing their will upon Los Angeles will be a big reason why.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 biggest storylines ahead of Bears vs. Rams in Week 4