5 Chicago Bears' Keys to Success for Week 5 vs the Carolina Panthers

2) Establish an Identity Across the Offensive Line

Outside of turnovers, the offense's primary area of concern appears to be the offensive line, which has struggled to execute at a high level in both the run and the pass. On the ground, the Bears are ranked third worst in the league with 3.5 yards per rush, a number that drops to 3.1 when including only running backs. It's not all on the backs, as the line produces just 1.65 yards before contact per carry. The pass protection has not been much better, as their 4.0 sacks allowed per game ranks third worst in the league.

Fortunately for the Bears, the Panthers have one of the softer defensive fronts around the NFL, allowing 4.6 yards per carry and five sacks in four games, which rank second and tenth worst in the league respectively. If the Bears line can establish their identity in both parts of the offensive gameplan, they may find more success on the ground and keeping Williams upright in the pocket.

3) Get D.J. Moore More Involved on Offense

Recently, much has been said and written about star receiver D.J. Moore, his comments to the media, and his body language on the sideline. However, there seems to be no need to push the panic button in Chicago, and not just because of his recently signed extension that keeps him with the Bears through the 2029 season.

Despite finishing the game against the Rams with just 22 receiving yards, Moore found the end zone for the first time since New Year's Eve 2023, and his connection with Williams seems to be coming together after a relatively slow start. Extrapolating Moore's stats through four games, the receiver is currently on pace for 83 receptions for 803 yards and four touchdowns, which would be his lowest totals in years. Considering this week poses an opportunity for revenge for the hibernating Bear, it would make sense for the offense to embrace perhaps their most dangerous and versatile offensive talent and get Moore involved heavily in the passing and rushing attacks versus the Panthers.