The Chicago Bears are at a critical juncture as they step into the fourth week of the season with a disheartening 0-3 record. The scoreboard has been unforgiving. The pressure is mounting as they prepare to face the Denver Broncos at home in Soldier Field. The Broncos are reeling from a humiliating 70-20 defeat at the hands of the Miami Dolphins. As the Bears gear up for what seems like a make-or-break game, the spotlight falls on three key players. Their performance could dictate the course of the season for the Bears. Can this Bears week 4 match-up flip the script?
3 Players That Can Save the Bears In Week 4
Tremaine Edmunds
The offense has had its share of struggles. However, it’s the defense that has been the Achilles heel for the Bears so far. Tremaine Edmunds, the big free agent signing, is the man everyone’s eyes are on. His performance in the first three games hasn’t lived up to the expectations. Missed tackles and rough coverage are the glaring issues. Edmunds, with his vast experience and athletic prowess, has the potential to be the linchpin for a defensive turnaround. The $18 million per year investment in him by GM Ryan Poles needs to start paying dividends. It begins with Edmunds stepping up as a vocal leader, bringing the energy, and showcasing the elite level of play he’s capable of. His ability to read the game and make crucial tackles can set the tone for the defense, inspiring his teammates to elevate their game as well.
Poor Tremaine Edmunds thought he was getting away from this by leaving Buffalo
No man is more tired of defending Mahomes & Kelce pic.twitter.com/YWh7pUU15g
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) September 25, 2023
Tyrique Stevenson
The defensive woes extend to the secondary, where injuries have left a gaping hole. Rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, a second-round pick from April’s draft, has a golden opportunity to step up and lead the defensive backfield. With Eddie Jackson, Jaylon Johnson, and Kyler Gordon sidelined, the onus falls on Stevenson. He needs to keep the Broncos’ potent receivers like Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton in check. His physicality and ability to make key plays could be the difference. It’s between Russell Wilson picking apart the Bears’ defense or the Bears making a statement with a solid defensive performance. Stevenson’s agility and aggressiveness could thwart the Broncos’ aerial attack, providing the Bears with the momentum they desperately need.
Roschon Johnson
The Bears’ offense needs a spark, and rookie running back Roschon Johnson could provide it in Week 4. Establishing a robust run game early on against a Broncos’ defense is crucial. They recently yielded 350 yards and five touchdowns to the Dolphins. Johnson, with an impressive average of 5.3 yards per carry, has shown the potential to be a game-changer. Feeding him the ball and controlling the time of possession could set the tone for the game. It could open up passing lanes for Justin Fields, and keep the Broncos’ offense off the field. Johnson’s ability to break tackles and churn out extra yards could prove to be the catalyst for an offensive resurgence.
Every touch #Bears Roschon Johnson got in his third NFL game. pic.twitter.com/iThwRs1ZO4
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) September 25, 2023
A Pivotal Bears Week 4 Battle Awaits
The stakes are sky-high as the Bears step onto Soldier Field this Sunday. The performances of Tremaine Edmunds, Tyrique Stevenson, and Roschon Johnson could be the catalysts for a season turnaround. As the city holds its breath, a big question looms. Will these three players rise to the occasion and help steer the Bears toward a much-needed victory? Only time will tell. One thing is certain; this Week 4 battle could define the rest of the season for the Bears. The city’s hopes are pinned on these three players, and Sunday’s clash is a stage set for heroes to emerge.
Main Photo: Kim Klement Neitzel – USA Today Sports
