The Chicago Bears sit at 7-2 and hold first place in the NFC North after the Minnesota Vikings lost on Monday night. Fans want to know if the team can jump even higher after the Week 10 break. General manager Ryan Poles made a bold move for defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons but stopped there when the trade deadline passed. Now the squad must rely on its current roster to fix the remaining holes before the season slips away.
Ben Johnson sees the timing as perfect for a mid-season rest. The coach noted last year that a Week 5 bye helped the new staff evaluate early performance. This year, the break arrives when the team needs a reset. Johnson expects the running game to get a boost from the return of Kyle Monangai. He missed five games with a turf toe injury. The coach gave an update on his status at the end of October. “From what I understand, he’s right on track,” Johnson said. D’Andre Swift also plans to use the time to heal minor issues that slowed him down.
Run Game Needs a Boost Against Weak Defense
The Bears rushed for 751 yards on 127 carries in the four games after last year’s bye. That huge jump is unlikely to happen again this season. The ground game has averaged 28.8 carries over the last five games but gained only 493 yards. The team averages 3.42 yards per carry in that stretch. That number is too low for a top-tier offense. In rushing yards allowed per game, the New Orleans Saints, who are the next opponent, hold the 29th position. They also rank 25th in yards allowed per carry at 4.52. This matchup offers a clear path to better stats for Chicago.
Secondary Risks Remain After Deadline Silence
Poles failed to add a cornerback before the deadline passed on November 10. The team watched other clubs bring in defensive backs while Chicago stood pat. Sources at Bear Goggles On note that the secondary remains a clear weakness. Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson start outside, but neither inspires total confidence. The Bears allowed too many big plays in the passing game. At 7.61 yards allowed per pass play, they rank 30th. Poles is banking on Johnson to bounce back, but that is a risky bet if the rookie Malik Muhammad is not ready. Johnson did throw back a pick-six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Red zone efficiency also needs work. The offense ranks 20th at 55.3% inside the 20-yard line. That will be a key focus for the coaching staff. The team gave up their first-round pick in 2027 to the Titans for Simmons. They also lost a fourth-rounder in that deal. The front office is all in on winning now, even if it costs future assets. “We’re going to keep that vague at the moment,” Johnson said when asked if players like Bryant could return in December or January. The Bears face the Saints next, and the ground game must find its rhythm to keep the division lead.
