Making the breakthrough: Assessing the Bears’ players and coaches in their win over the Rams

QUARTERBACK (B)

Rookie Caleb Williams (17 of 23, 157 yards, one touchdown, no interceptions, 106.6 rating) was more productive against the Colts last week but much more efficient against the Rams. I’m still waiting for the “wow” throws, especially when he comes out of the pocket. But for now, with Shane Waldron’s offense still on its training wheels, avoiding turnovers and modest production appears to be a winning formula.

RUN BACK (B)

A week after rushing for 20 yards on 13 carries and apologizing to the defense for the offense’s performance in the loss to the Colts, Swift played a game that could be the epitome of what the Bears envisioned his role being had when they signed him on a free agency basis – 165 of the Bears’ 264 net yards on 23 touches.

Swift had 16 carries for 93 yards (5.8 average), including a 36-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and he also caught seven passes for 72 yards. Roschon Johnson had seven carries for 26 yards (3.7 average) and a one-yard touchdown.

Offensive line (B)

Losing left guard Teven Jenkins to a rib injury seemed to be the last thing the Bears’ offensive line needed, but the line bounced back without Jenkins and got better as the game went on after a difficult first half – another sign of hope.

Matt Pryor, who started at right back for the second straight season, moved to left back and experienced Nate Davis came in at right back.

Left tackle Braxton Jones (blindside block) and center Coleman Shelton (holding) incurred penalties, but the Bears still rushed for 131 yards on 28 carries (4.7 average) and two touchdowns. This is progress.

SECONDARY (A)

Safety Jaquan Brisker had an outstanding performance with 12 tackles and two tackles for loss, including a sack and a crucial interception, with 1:03 left in the fourth quarter.

Kyler Gordon had seven tackles and a fumble recovery. Jaylon Johnson had a tackle for loss. Kevin Byard had seven tackles.

COACHING (B)

Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron likely overcompensated by using reserve center Doug Kramer at fullback when the Bears had a first-and-goal at the 1-yard line after last week’s option fiasco against the Colts – but the back- to-basics strategy worked. and showed that Waldron learned from his mistake. Roschon Johnson scored an effortless goal to give the Bears a 7-6 lead.

Matt Eberflus also responded after a tough game against the Colts. Accepting an offensive pass interference penalty (after initially rejecting it) resulted in a missed field goal.