Preseason hype surrounding these Chicago Bears was sky high, especially within a fan base wanting more than it had been given in recent seasons.

That all made sense following a player acquisition period that saw the Bears go big in free agency and on the trade market, putting the organization in great position to take USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall NFL draft pick and thrive right away.

RELATED CONTENT:

• Overreactions: Bears running game, Caleb Williams, Keenan Allen and not hitting the panic button
• Counting on Caleb: Evaluaing Williams vs. Colts, signs of progress vs. Rams
• Vibe Check: Bears frustration mounts over negative plays, lack of complementary football
• By the numbers: Why Caleb Williams shouldn’t be throwing so much

That selection was earned with a trade with Carolina that provided an opportunity to get better fast. This was the year, it seemed, that the Bears would turn a corner.

That might still be the case, but the season sure hasn’t started that way. You know what comes from a 1-2 start: questions about the discrepancy between perception and (thus far) reality.

Questions have poured in since this mailbag was announced, and rightfully so. You all want some answers to what has gone wrong in this early season.

That’s where Bair Mail comes in. Let’s this be a safe space to seek answers and get them through rational discourse. No mocking tones. No slamming questions deemed unworthy. We’re just here to talk Bears. And Italian Beef sandwiches, good coffee and craft beer. And, as someone originally from California, I might need some advice on driving across ice and snow. I don’t want to end up on the side of the road after doing something avoidable.

I’ll be honest with you. These Bair Mails (with my last name and this team’s nickname, expect lots of puns) rank high among my favorite things to write. I dig getting to know the fan base and the community I’m now joining. Let’s not think of these interactions as a simple, one-way Q+A. It’s an ongoing dialogue about the team you love, where it’s going and how that has set up by what has been.

So, please, join the conversation by directly emailing mailbag@marquesportsnetwork.com, reaching out to me on X (@ScottBairNFL) or responding to calls for questions by Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) on Instagram.

Let’s make this fun. The only way that happens is if you get involved.

Sales pitch over. Now it’s on to your questions:

Q: D’Andre Swift was so productive in Philly last season. Why hasn’t he been that way in Chicago thus far? (from Jon Wach via email)

A: You’re right Jon. D’Andre hasn’t been efficient to this point. (Key phrase: To this point.) The veteran running back has expressed his frustrations with recent results, but he hasn’t gone long before turning it on as a pro.

At this point, though, we know what Swift can do and what he does best. It’s about finding space for him, a guy Matt Eberflus called a “home-run threat,” to make plays. If doesn’t seem like the run game is in sync, but that doesn’t mean it can’t down the road. Swift has an explosive skill set. That was evident watching him in Philadelphia last year. Swift can do it all. He hasn’t done much as a Chicago Bear to this point, and he and this scheme seem disjointed to this point.

He’s built to create chunk yards in space, and finding the right mix at running back is key. The Bears must learn how to use all three of their backs and when they work best. Swift is the most talented ball carrier, so seeing these early returns for him is shocking for the player and those creating runs for him.

Q: How do you compare Caleb Williams to Justin Fields? (from Todd Koza via email)

A: I’ll be honest, with you Todd. I don’t. And I won’t. Caleb Williams and Justin Fields are different players with different means of production. Though, if I had my druthers, I would take Williams every time. I may be wrong, but I believe his abilities are better set up for long-term success.

The current Bears quarterback has every tool you could want, with tremendous athleticism, running ability and unreal arm talent. Judging anything over the course of three weeks simply can’t be done, especially for a rookie finding his way.

And, pretty please (with sugar on top), resist the urge to compare early-season records with the Steelers and Commanders and make them a reflection on the Bears decision making at quarterback. Play the long game. Understand the real-life circumstances surrounding these teams and the talents at play.

Nothing is apples to apples here, but no one doubts Williams’ talent and smarts. He has a different skill set than the others we’re talking about. I have covered lots of great young quarterbacks, and Caleb has as much overall potential as anyone. There’s little doubt in my mind he’ll come into his own.

Q: Why haven’t the Bears invested in the O-line? (from Andrew.Markun on Instagram)

A: The Bears used the No. 10 overall pick into right tackle Darnell Wright last year. They added Kiran Amegadjie with a third-round pick in 2024. They stuck the landing with Teven Jenkins in 2021, and they might have to pay him soon enough.

All that said, I know what you’re getting at. We’re already hearing (way too soon, btw), that the Bears should’ve gone offensive line at No. 9 overall instead of Rome Odunze. Don’t forget that Joe Alt was already gone at that point. The Bears worked to surround Williams will talent at the skill spots, and the Williams/Odunze pairing might rank among the best over time.

There are issues in protection and run blocking, and upgrades might seem warranted at right guard and the center spot. Left guard Braxton Jones is a good player. Overall, this unit hasn’t come together yet within this scheme, but the Bears are clearly banking on continuity helping this group improve.

I don’t think investment is the issue. It’s performance at this point, and finding the right starting five. Had the Bears gone the other way with O-line first over skill spots, the Bears might still not be ready with the weapons required to score points aplenty. Loading up at the skill spots was somewhat of a gamble. GM Ryan Poles clearly thought this line could hold well enough to let Williams and the skill guys go score. We’ll see if he’s right over the long run this season.

Q: Creed or Nickelback? (from Anchor_point_blacksmithing on Instagram)

A: You didn’t include Option C: none of the above. Uncool, bro. I can’t keep street cred by choosing either, nor would I go against my roots in 90s rock. I’m at the point where the music from my years in high school is always better than yours, and that’s just going to be it from now on.

I’m so bummed I missed the Green Day Dookie/American Idiot tour. I hear Pearl Jam comes to Wrigley on the regular. Count me in. I’m open to other genres (hip-hop, alt country among them) as long as it’s good. Unfortunately, Creed and Nickelback don’t rank among them. One thing I’ll say about those bands: even if you hate ‘em (as I truly do) you still know every word to their songs. Thanks a lot, FM radio.

This mailbag is coming every Wednesday all year long, maybe more if the questions demand it. The easiest way to get involved: email us as mailbag@marqueesportsnetwork.com.