Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts: Inside some shocking numbers

1. Colts passing attack is deceiving

So far, Philip Rivers and the Colts haven’t exactly aired it out. But, when you dive into the numbers, they will tell you that Rivers is tied for 4th in the NFL in yards per attempt at 8.4. Yet, Rivers has placed the ball well-short of the first down marker on the majority of his throws. If we’re talking air yards per attempt, he ranks extremely low.

This is a phenomenal thread by one of the best Bears numerical analysts in the business, Johnathan Wood, going into more detail about Rivers and his tendencies so far in 2020.

It’s been pretty blatant that Rivers has become a check-down passer for a little while now. That’s worked for him, for the most part, so long as he has the weapons necessary to make it worth that style. Through three weeks, the Colts have averaged the fifth-most yards after the catch (5.7). That’s helped their passing numbers in a big way.

It is clear that this Sunday is going to have to be a Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith game, based on how the Colts operate. Sadly enough, that doesn’t give fans much faith in how they will defense Indy. Trevathan has looked 40 years old this season, and Smith is still fairly inconsistent.

If the Bears are to shut down the Colts offense, they will need big games from their guys in the middle. Linebacker play will be arguably the most important aspect of the Bears’ defense in this matchup. They have to wake up, period.