The Chicago Bears continue to struggle in the red zone, ranking last in the NFL at 32nd after Week 5 with a touchdown conversion rate of just 42.9 percent on possessions inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. This marks a persistent issue that team coaches and players alike have yet to resolve, despite adjustments in play-calling, such as increased use of horizontal running plays intended to exploit the edge against the Green Bay Packers. The one red-zone touchdown scored in that game came on a fourth-and-goal run from the one-yard line, underscoring the difficulty the Bears face in finding consistent success close to the end zone.
Among receivers, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland have been the primary targets in the red zone, with Burden catching four passes for 25 yards and one touchdown, and Loveland securing three catches for 17 yards and a touchdown. Other players have seen limited opportunities inside the 20, with tight end Cole Kmet notably having no targets in the area. The Bears’ offensive struggles in the red zone extend to running the ball effectively; running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have combined for 26 carries within the 10-yard line but have only amassed 37 yards, averaging 1.42 yards per carry. Offensive line performance on goal-line situations has been identified as a key area needing improvement.
Quarterback situation continues to present challenges. Caleb Williams, who suffered a hamstring injury three weeks ago, remains in rehab and must pass a stress test before Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons to determine his availability. Backup quarterbacks Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum have alternated starts with limited success, combining for multiple turnovers in recent contests. Head coach Ben Johnson has indicated the quarterback lineup remains uncertain as the team weighs health, chemistry with the offensive line and receivers, and readiness, especially given the tight schedule with a Thursday game against the New England Patriots looming.
On defense, there is some positive news as second-year defensive end Shemar Turner was activated off the reserve/physically unable to perform list and is expected to play his first game in nearly a year following an ACL tear last October. Turner, a 2025 second-round draft pick from Texas A&M, missed his entire rookie season and this year’s early games while rehabbing. His return is timely given the suspension of top edge rusher Montez Sweat for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy and the absence of lineman Dayo Odeyingbo due to a quadriceps injury. Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett described Turner’s versatility to play both inside and outside positions as valuable in managing the depleted lineup.
Turner acknowledged the emotional challenges of his recovery, describing the process as a journey “through a dark tunnel” but expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute, especially with teammates sidelined. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen noted the importance of carefully managing Turner’s snaps as he returns to game action.
Despite the Bears’ overall 2-4 record within the NFC North and ongoing struggles against division rivals, Johnson remains focused on immediate game preparations rather than broader assessments of the team’s performance. Analysts point out that while the division is strong this season, other NFC divisions show more vulnerability, which could present opportunities for the Bears to contend for a playoff spot if they can overcome red-zone inefficiencies and bolster their defensive front in the coming weeks.