The Chicago Bears had an impressive 23-12 win over the New York Jets, but that doesn't really accurately describe just how much of a beatdown Chicago put on Jets. The score could have, and probably should have, been significantly more lopsided.
When Caleb Williams returns from his hamstring and the offense works out their issues in the red zone, they will be a team scoring north of 30 points every single week. Until that time where Williams is back, however, the national media is having a hard time putting them as a top-five team in any power rankings. They were comfortable sitting in that 4-6 range before the injury, but are now in the 7-12 range.
In our power rankings this week, we had them at No. 8, which was one spot up from No. 9 going into
Week 4. Here's a look at where the Bears landed among other power rankings around the league.
USA Today
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 10
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s Take: "After giving up 37 points in the opener, the defense has surrendered 28 total over the past three weeks. Doesn't much matter who the QB1 is with that kind of margin for error."
Our Take: Nate Davis moving the Bears down one after a win with their backup quarterback is probably more about how other teams have fared rather than anything to do with the Bears. It was also a win over the New York Jets, which isn't going to garner much attention from national writers. As far as they are concerned, the Bears should beat the Jets with ease, which they did.
The Athletic
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 8
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Author: Josh Kendall, Chad Graff
Author’s Take: "It didn’t matter that, without Caleb Williams, the Bears started Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent the last two weeks (though, technically, Keenum was a starter too in Week 4). Johnson has the Bears rolling, and there isn’t a whole lot to be concerned about after they easily dispatched the Jets."
Our Take: The theme of The Athletic's NFL Power Rankings this week is "concern level". They don't seem to have one for the Chicago Bears because of the fact that Ben Johnson is their coach and has proven that he can win no matter who is at quarterback.
ESPN
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 8
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
Author: Courtney Cronin
Author’s Take: "Caleb Williams (hamstring injury) led the Bears to a 59-point performance against the Panthers, Case Keenum beat the Eagles handily, and Tyson Bagent enjoyed a thorough domination of the Jets. The Bears are No. 1 in total yards, first downs, and time of possession, and they have the NFL's best rushing offense (785 total yards). "It's the cliché, next man up, certainly, but our guys, we know we have a lot of talent throughout this roster, from the front to the back end," coach Ben Johnson said. "And so we always know we're going to have a chance each and every week."
Our Take: ESPN's theme is to describe each team with four words, to which Courtney Cronin said, "Dominating with different QBs". The NFL world, beyond Courtney, who covers the Bears every single day and is well aware, is starting to notice that they have a magician calling offensive plays. Whether it's Caleb Williams, Case Keenum, or Tyson Bagent, they have a tactical advantage because of the head coach. Williams is the most talented and can get the most out of Ben's playbook, but they are all capable of doing enough to win.
NFL.com
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 10
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
Author: Nick Shook
Author’s Take: "One of the most lopsided victories in recent memory finished in favor of Chicago, a team led by a coach who might be quarterback-proof. In the last two weeks, Ben Johnson has directed offenses led by second- and third-string quarterbacks, and the Bears haven't missed a beat. Chicago's win over the Jets was especially stunning when considering the time of possession (42:45 to 17:15) and total-plays differential (89 to 32), wide margins you simply don't see in the modern NFL. It's a testament to Johnson's ability as a coach."
Our Take: Not enough has been made about the fact that the Bears dominated the time of possession so much. They had more first downs than the Jets had plays on offense. Even when a good team plays a bad team, you don't see that type of domination much in the NFL. There are still some things to work on with the Red Zone, which is where Caleb Williams comes in handy, but that offense is incredible.
NBC Sports (PFT)
Link to Article
Current Ranking: 9
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Author: Mike Florio
Author’s Take: "Kyle Monangai may be emerging as the best tailback option."
Our Take: The running attack played a big role in the Bears' offense dominating the way that it did. Kyle Monangai played a big role in that. D'Andre Swift led the way in that 59-point outburst in Week 1, but it's mostly been Monangai in the weeks following. Swift does have a couple of fumbles in big spots, which could be playing a role in the younger Monangai, who never fumbles, getting more of the workload.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears power rankings roundup: Where Chicago lands ahead of Week 5
