Starting 1-2 under a first-year head coach may not be optimal, but beginning games more aggressively bodes well for the Chicago Bears.
That’s how the Bears see things to start the Ben Johnson Era entering Sunday’s game versus the host Las Vegas Raiders, who also are 1-2 under new coach Pete Carroll.
In the first three games with Johnson at the helm, Chicago has scored 28 first-quarter points, tied for tops in the league and one more than they managed in 17 games last season.
While a collective command of Johnson’s multiple schemes has helped, quarterback Caleb Williams continues to show savvy. Williams is coming an off NFC Offensive Player of the Week performance in Week 3, completing 19 of 28 passes for 298 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in a 31-14 home win against Dallas.
Williams’ progression as a second-year pro has impressed Johnson while boosting Chicago’s confidence ahead of a stretch that will see the Bears play four of their next five games on the road.
“I see him playing the game with his feet much more so than what we had in the spring or during training camp,” Johnson said. “He’s trying to tie in No. 1 in the progression with the first hitch, No. 2 with the second hitch and we’re trying to throw on time a lot more often than maybe we were initially. I see it coming along.”
Williams spread the ball — and scoring passes — to receivers Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and tight end Cole Kmet while compiling a career-best passer rating of 142.6.
He also wasn’t sacked, a distinction that figures to be difficult to duplicate against the Raiders.
Las Vegas enters with the longest active streak of games with at least one sack at 38. Defensive tackle Jonah Laulu leads the team with three, but Johnson especially is concerned about end Maxx Crosby, a four-time Pro Bowl selection.
“He wrecks drives,” Johnson said of Crosby (two sacks). “That’s what he does.”
The Raiders know they need to shore up their pass rush and the rest of a beleaguered defense against Chicago. Las Vegas surrendered 400 yards in a 41-24 loss at Washington in Week 3, struggling to stop a Commanders team that started backup quarterback Marcus Mariota while using a committee of running backs behind a retooled offensive line.
On the flip side, Las Vegas gained 354 yards while leaning into a special connection between quarterback Geno Smith and receiver Tre Tucker. Smith completed 19 of 29 passes for 289 yards and three scores, all to Tucker, who gained 145 yards on eight receptions.
Smith has passed for 831 yards through three games, second in the NFL, while throwing for four touchdowns against four interceptions.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas is aiming to shore up its running game. Rookie Ashton Jeanty was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on 11 of 17 carries against Washington.
“We have to get him better spacing,” Carroll said. “… It’s the whole attack. We’ve just got to continue to expand it and keep him from getting hit.”
Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers was a full participant in practice on Wednesday while he deals with an ailing knee. Fellow tight end Michael Mayer did not participate in the session due to a concussion.
Chicago running back D’Andre Swift (hip) and Kmet (groin) were limited in practice on Wednesday. Tight end Colston Loveland (hip), cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring), defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (knee) and linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) did not participate in practice on Wednesday.
