Bears prepare for Ja’Marr Chase and Bengals after frustrating loss to Ravens

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 3 hours ago

CHICAGO - A combination of things led to Chicago’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens. One of them was injuries although miscommunications on the offense were also a large part of it.

No play displayed that better than Chicago’s final offensive play when quarterback Caleb Williams failed to connect with receiver DJ Moore in the end zone.

“I think the passing game, it’s a continual evolution. You get new routes in each week, maybe some that you haven’t thrown since early in the season or training camp and so, you got to make sure you stay on it so that you know where everyone’s going to be and you build that trust and rapport with each other and so, for that particular play, he’s running the backline,” Johnson said. “He does have the ability to shut it down in an open window. It’s a unique look where there happens to be a second level defender in the area that he shut it down. Do I wish he would have stayed on the move? Sure. But, I also know at this level, that’s open and we have two really good players right there and we can find a way to hook up.”

The defense was another reason for the loss. It marked only the second time all season Chicago’s defense failed to have a takeaway. Furthermore, the defense only managed to get two sacks while allowing a total of 355 yards, 177 of those on the ground in the run game. The pass rush has been a problem all year.

Johnson said the key is to win the one-on-ones although the defense also needs to get better against the run.

“We’ve got to capitalize on the opportunities when guys get one-on-one on a tackle or on a guard and that’s really what it comes down to. If it’s a play-action, then we got to transition to rushers fast. Last week in particular, we didn’t build a lead on that team. We allowed them to keep the running game going. We had a strong emphasis going into the game of stopping that running game and so, as that game went on, they were able to live in that movement and play-action world, which makes the pass rush a lot more challenging all in all and so, I do think when you look at our third down numbers, I do think that’s indicative of how our pass rush, maybe not from a sack perspective, but from a pressure perspective has been able to influence the quarterback and affect him,” Johnson said. “The hits and the pressures are equally important to me as the sacks are and so, I would love to (be) leading the league in sacks right now. But, affecting the quarterback is really important for us and when I look at those true drop back situations, that’s what I’m looking at more than anything is how much are we affecting the quarterback?”

Chicago will be looking to rebound against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sun. Nov. 1 (Noon / CBS). Their quarterback, Joe Flacco, is questionable with an AC joint sprain and was not able to practice on Wednesday. However, the Bears will still have to contend with their elite wide receiver duo - Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Chase has been on fire lately. In the past two games, he has 42 targets, 28 receptions, 252 receiving yards and a touchdown.

“I don’t know how much you can slow him down for a guy that I don’t know anything he doesn’t do well. I’m turning on the run tape last night before I felt and he’s down there blocking down the field for the runners. So, I think he’s a complete receiver,” Johnson said. “I think it’s all hands on deck to try to slow him down. I think we’ve got to do a great job marrying up our rush and our coverage and making things as difficult as we possibly can for this offense.”