The Chicago Bears dominated the Carolina Panthers, 59-37. However, the win could have been ever bigger if a few key names played. Which Bears players need to step up next week after a disappointing first game?
5 Chicago Bears Who Need to Step Up After Week 1
Jaylon Johnson
It is not easy to give up to 37 points and have the defense walking away feeling good about how they played. The biggest culprit for big plays allowed was Johnson. Johnson allowed five catches for 127 yards in the game, per PFF. He allowed two big catches to Jalen Coker, and two big catches to Tetairoa McMillan. PFF also credited him for the 48 yard catch and run by Jonathan Brooks.
In a secondary that does not look good on paper, Johnson was supposed to their best option. So far, he is their worst.
Rome Odunze
Odunze only had 52 receiving yards in what is supposed to be a breakout season. However, he missed a lot of time in practice with a calf injury and the team was clearly taking things easy on him. He was third on the team in snaps with 36. Jahdae Walker was right behind him with 34. Meanwhile, Kalif Raymond had 45 snaps and Luther Burden had 55.
While he was not highly productive, he did average 2.36 yards per route run. When healthy, he should be fine.
Colston Loveland
Loveland led all skill players in snaps played with 65. He led all Bears in routes run, with 34 as well. However, he had two targets and zero receptions. Sometimes that is just the way the offense goes. However, it is fair to remember that Sam LaPorta was nearly elite as a rookie. He did not produce nearly as much in his second season with Johnson and has still yet to top those numbers.
TJ Edwards
Edwards started, played every snap and called plays for the Bears. However, he was also the lowest graded Bears player. He missed four tackles and looked a tick slow overall. He needs to shake off the rust quickly.
Garrett Bradbury
Bradbury has been credited for his communication, and the team needed him to win the game. Still, he struggled with Derrick Brown throughout the game. Bigger nose tackles will consistently give him trouble. Can he overcome this? Or will they have to look to the rookie Logan Jones at some point?
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