Fourth-and-Goal Dilemma: A Missed Opportunity for the Bears
INDIANAPOLIS — With the game on the line and just inches to go, the Chicago Bears found themselves facing a crucial fourth-and-goal situation from the 1-yard line. It was the perfect moment to call upon one of their most reliable plays, a decision that could lead to a much-needed touchdown. However, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron opted for a speed-option play to the left, featuring rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and running back D’Andre Swift.
Yes, you read that right. Instead of a straightforward plunge into the end zone, Waldron dialed up a play that left fans and analysts scratching their heads during the Bears’ 21-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“It’s a play we’ve practiced,” tight end Cole Kmet remarked post-game. “We were looking for a specific defensive alignment. I’m not sure we got the look we wanted, though. They played it well, and we have to give them credit for that.”
The Bears’ offensive struggles have raised eyebrows, especially regarding the development of their promising quarterback, Caleb Williams. Although Williams threw for an impressive 363 yards, completing two touchdowns and throwing two interceptions, the choice to run the option on fourth-and-goal has sparked significant debate. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze showcased his talent with six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, while Kmet himself had a stellar performance with 10 receptions for 97 yards and a score. Nevertheless, the execution of the critical play left much to be desired.
Williams expressed his disappointment, stating, “That was a tough one, being so close to scoring and not capitalizing on it. We practiced that play all week. When we get down to the 5-yard line or closer, their defense shifts, and they typically employ those 6-1 formations. I guess I didn’t get to the edge quickly enough, or maybe it was a case of miscommunication. They played it differently than we expected.”
Instead of the anticipated 6-1 alignment, the Colts deployed two linebackers alongside five defensive linemen. The extra player that disrupted their play was linebacker Zaire Franklin, who managed to contain the situation effectively. As Williams pitched the ball back to Swift from the 5-yard line, Franklin went unblocked, chasing Swift down past the 10-yard line, resulting in a staggering 12-yard loss.
“It was called,” Swift admitted, reflecting on the execution. “It’s our responsibility to make it work. I need to evaluate what I could have done differently to turn that play into a success.”
This particular play became a glaring example of the Bears’ offensive inefficiency in a first half where they ran an astounding 49 offensive plays but failed to score even a single point. Waldron’s play calling has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding his game strategies, as every player interviewed confirmed they had practiced the option play extensively throughout the week.
The sequence leading up to the failed fourth-and-goal attempt was perplexing. Why did Herbert take over for Roschon Johnson after Johnson had fought hard for a 1-yard gain on fourth-and-1 from the 5? Why did the Bears not utilize a more traditional approach by going under center at least once during those three consecutive runs, including a wildcat attempt?
More broadly, fans are left wondering why the Bears continue to struggle to establish a strong run game, particularly against a Colts defense that had allowed a staggering 261 rushing yards to the Green Bay Packers just a week prior.
Williams noted that he had the option to change the play but felt rushed as the Bears broke the huddle with only 10 seconds remaining on the play clock. The ball was snapped with just five seconds left, according to the broadcast timing.
“I didn’t want to risk alerting the defense by changing the play with only around five seconds left on the clock,” Williams explained. “At that point, it was crucial to just execute the call and get the play underway.”
Head coach Matt Eberflus commented on the situation, stating, “We were confident in the play. We just needed to execute better and get to the second level, connecting with the linebacker. The plan was to pitch off the end man on the line of scrimmage.”
While this wasn’t a rookie moment for Williams, it certainly highlighted another misstep from the entire offensive unit, particularly Waldron’s puzzling decision to call the play. Another blunder came when the Bears sent out their field goal unit following their first touchdown, called a timeout, and then failed to convert on their two-point attempt. This suggests a lack of pre-established plans, especially as Williams connected with Odunze for his first NFL touchdown.
- “We have to improve in that area,” Eberflus acknowledged. “That falls on the coaches. We need to be more prepared and cohesive, from the coaching staff to the players.”
As the Bears face backlash for their messy performance, it’s clear that much of the blame rests on the coaching staff. “We’ll keep slinging it and continue to work on the run game,” Williams concluded optimistically. “We’re dedicated to improving and getting our offense on track.”
(Photo: Michael Hickey / Getty Images)
