From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Bears-Panthers: the matchups that decide Week 1
Ben Johnson's three-tight-end looks meet a Panthers offense that only works when Bryce Young stays clean.
In brief
Ben Johnson's three-tight-end looks meet a Panthers offense that only works when Bryce Young stays clean. This game turns on two things: whether the Bears' tight end sets spring D'Andre Swift, and whether their pass rush can finally make a quarterback uncomfortable. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Not the Caleb show
All offseason the hype centered on Caleb Williams, but Ben Johnson builds from the run game and his tight ends outward.
Swift is the weapon
D'Andre Swift is coming off one of his best seasons and could be Chicago's top threat on Sunday.
Steady, then gone
Swift runs downhill with speed and elusiveness, good for a few yards every carry and always live for a long one.
“always a threat to take off for an explosive play”
Watch the target share
Swift saw 48 targets last season, sixth on the team. Under Johnson in Detroit he got 78 in 2021 and 70 the year after.
Three tight ends, on purpose
Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet and Sam Roush give Johnson a grouping that confuses defenses before the snap.
The coverage trap
If Carolina answers those tight ends with defensive backs, the Bears get lighter boxes and a clear lane for Swift out of the backfield.
“the Bears can steamroll a path for Swift out of the backfield”
13 personnel is coming
Johnson ranked fifth in the NFL in three tight ends, one receiver, one back. Expect roughly triple the usage now that Chicago has paid for the personnel.
Young still unproven
Bryce Young enters year four having improved but not arrived. His 87.8 passer rating was sixth lowest among qualifying passers.
Chicago's soft spots
The Bears' secondary is patched together and the defensive line has yet to prove it can rattle a quarterback week to week.
“their secondary is patchwork”
McMillan is the problem
Tetairoa McMillan, the No. 8 pick last year, won offensive rookie of the year with 70 catches, 1,014 yards and seven scores.
The rookie matchup
Jaylon Johnson can shadow McMillan, but Carolina will hunt snaps against rookie Malik Muhammad, a fourth-rounder now playing nickel in place of Kyler Gordon.
A bad offense, on paper
Carolina finished 27th in yards (295.6) and points (18.3), going 0-5 against top-10 defenses while averaging 11.2 points in those games.
“an abysmal 11.2 points per game”
Give him time, he burns you
Against the Rams, Young was pressured twice on 22 drop-backs and went 15-for-20 for 206 yards, three touchdowns, a 147.1 rating. Chicago ranked 22nd in pressure rate and sacks.
What it means
This game turns on two things: whether the Bears' tight end sets spring D'Andre Swift, and whether their pass rush can finally make a quarterback uncomfortable.
