Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts: Inside some shocking numbers
By Ryan Heckman
2. Bears run defense has to make statement
This is the perfect game for Chicago to make a statement against the Colts’ sneaky rushing attack. I say sneaky because, on the surface, the Colts appear to have a strong rushing attack with rookie Jonathan Taylor taking over the majority of carries with Marlon Mack hurt. Taylor was arguably the most electric running back in this year’s class, and he’s dangerous.
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But, so far, the Colts have averaged just 3.8 yards per carry as a team. Furthermore, they are ranked 25th in broken tackle rate and 21st in yards after contact (h/t Johnathan Wood).
Fortunately for Indianapolis, they are taking on a Bears run defense that isn’t exactly tackling well. Chicago is giving up 5.0 yards per carry through three games while giving up an average of 119.0 rushing yards per game.
This is an opportunity for two guys in particular to show they are capable of being better, and we’ve talked about them already this week. Both Bilal Nichols and Danny Trevathan need to have strong games on Sunday.
Without Eddie Goldman, Nichols has struggled taking his place at nose tackle. Trevathan has also looked slow and out of place. The Colts are giving Taylor all the carries he can handle, and one of these times, he is bound to break off a huge run. That’s all he did at Wisconsin, and it’s going to happen in the NFL sooner rather than later.
The Bears cannot be the first team to allow Taylor a big play. Once Taylor breaks away just one time, you have to believe his confidence rises exponentially as a rookie.