Bears vs. Colts: Causes for concern in Week 3

The Chicago Bears (1-1) will look to get back on track this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts (0-2) as they face their third consecutive AFC South opponent to open the season. After an abysmal second half in last Sunday night's game against the Houston Texans, there was plenty of criticism and discussion surrounding the immediate future of the Bears and if they can succeed.

Indianapolis will also be looking to get back on track, after they dropped a road game to the Green Bay Packers, who were starting Malik Willis at quarterback for the injured Jordan Love. Willis not only threw his first career regular season touchdown, but running back Josh Jacobs also torched them for 151 yards on the ground. Safe to say, Indianapolis defense is capable of giving up plenty of yards either through the air or ground.

However, the Bears come into Week 3 with plenty of pessimism surrounding their team, and the offense is a major cause for concern. With that being said, here are three reasons for concern heading into Week 3 against the Colts.

1. Offensive line play

This will continue to be a cause for concern for the Bears offense until play is improved. That doesn't just mean when they start scoring touchdowns, but when they keep quarterback Caleb Williams upright, when they're committing less penalties, and help lead the team to victories, then the criticism can quiet down.

Head coach Matt Eberflus called for more continuity and consistency out of this unit, but there doesn't seem to be any changes on the horizon. That means it falls on player performance and on the offensive coaches, specifically offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to figure it out. The Colts will be without a key piece of their defensive line with Buckner placed on IR this week, and that should help, but not everything will be fixed in one game.

2. Jonathan Taylor

One of the best running backs in the game must be accounted for in this game. The Bears got away with facing the Tony Pollard/Tyjae Spears duo in Week 1, and Joe Mixon was injured in Week 2. Taylor is among the best young running backs in the league and the Colts have a highly-respected and talented offensive line. He can break open big runs and, most importantly, he can extend drives and keep the Bears defense on the field.

Averaging just over 75 rushing yards per game and having scored one touchdown so far, the Bears will have to account for the running game more than they have in the first two weeks. Success in the run game will not only also open up the passing game where the Colts have dangerous wide receivers, but they'll also need to account for quarterback Anthony Richardson. The second-year quarterback is averaging over 46 yards per game, as well, and if Taylor can succeed, Richardson likely can too.

3. Defense staying on field too long

The Bears' offensive line is the most obvious concern on either side of the ball if you're hoping for a Chicago win. Their poor performance leads to no consistency in the offense, which also means they're not putting together long, sustainable drives. In each of the Bears' first two games, the opposing team has run 61 offensive plays, meaning the defense is getting worn out. Montez Sweat has yet to record a sack through two games, and they've got to create more opportunities as a whole.

There is no denying that the defense has played out of their mind in the first two games. Without the defense, the Bears are more than likely winless to begin the year. But to keep that defense healthy and consistent, they're going to need more time resting on the bench with the offense putting up points. The math is very simple for this team, if the offense can start to click, everything will come together for the Bears, but allowing the opposition to run 61 plays is unacceptable no matter what side you look at. It all goes hand-in-hand, if the Bears offense starts to roll, the defense will get more time to rest and that could lead to more opportunities to continue to make game-changing plays that they have in the first two games.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Colts: Causes for concern in Week 3