5 Chicago Bears who need to step up after 5 weeks

Chicago Bears (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bears, Roquan Smith
Chicago Bears (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

4. Roquan Smith

Roquan Smith has been up and down, and once again that is why he makes the list. He has not been their worst player, but given the expectations, the Chicago Bears are supposed to want more. He is taking on the role of the play-caller, but with that, all communication issues are now a question coming back to him.

Beyond that, struggles against Detroit, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay led to great running games from players such as Adrian Peterson, Brian Hill, and Ron Jones. These are not the names that should be working Smith, who is a former top-ten pick.

Smith has made plays, but he doesn’t make the impact plays. He will make the tackle but after a couple of yards. He will give up no yards, but after he gives up the catch. Overall, when the Bears drafted Smith they assumed he would be calling plays and making an impact by year three. He is calling plays, but going through growing pains, he is making plays, but not quite impactful ones yet. Smith is close, but we need more.