The Bears relied a ton on their standout defense through their first three games, to less-than-stellar results. Chicago ended up with just one win through that stretch, and even that was earned with defense and special teams. Consecutive losses were on an offense that put its defense in bad spots and couldn’t produce enough to overcome those mistakes.

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The Bears didn’t start pointing fingers at each other. They did the right thing instead, with player leadership on both sides of the ball having some real-talk, adult conversations aimed at solutions. The Bears knew they were better than early results and wanted to turn things around before a deep hole was dug.

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Good things came from that, including a 24-18 victory over the L.A. Rams at Solider Field. They’ll try to stack wins on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, a struggling team with pluck now that former Bears quarterback Andy Dalton is at the helm.

That has led to a resurgence of optimism, albeit guarded, surrounding the Bears as they move through the season’s first half. That’s why there’s less doom and gloom in this Wednesday edition of Bair Mail, but, in true Bears-fan fashion, some trepidation remains.

Let’s get to your questions in this Week 5 mailbag:

Are the Bears finally turning the corner on offense? (from bobfromplanning, via Instagram)

We could count this as a positive question about Shane Waldron’s offense. In the short history of gathering Bair Mail questions, that would be a first.

The Bears offensive coordinator hasn’t been a favorite since the season got off to an underwhelming start, with the run game in a full stop, so much put on Caleb Williams’ plate and the line seemingly out of sync over the first three weeks. Then came conversations with player leadership that enacted positive change.

The Bears started slow but scored on four straight drives, had a near-perfect run/pass production and, as important as anything, didn’t turn the ball over. D’Andre Swift got rolling, Williams made safe, smart choices and made to next-level throws.

Despite a relatively quiet output, consider that an A-plus effort on a team with a stout defense and a punter like Tory Taylor.

Does this mean the offensive struggles are all worked out? I would consider that an overreaction. We’ll need to see such an effort repeated a few more times, including against better competition than the Bears will see until after the bye.

I also don’t think the Bears were challenged in a serious way, and it’ll be important to see how the offense responds when the game plan goes upside down. That’s the sign of a well-round group that doesn’t buckle.

Establishing the run game was massive, as was the coordinated blocking along the line and through the second level. And they have a good thing going in the no-huddle. Those are positives, but there’s plenty left to work out on that side of the ball.

And it didn’t stop another question asking whether the Bears should blow it all up and hire Ben Johnson from Detroit. So, there’s still a level of uncertainty about whether this Bears offense can rinse and repeat.

What do you make of Montez Sweat’s start to the season? His stats aren’t great. (Jenna Ann from Schaumburg, Ill., via email)

Montez Sweat has eight tackles, two sacks, three total tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and 11 total quarterback pressures. That’s not a bad stat line, although Bears fans were spoiled after he had eight sacks, six hits and 37 total pressures over nine games after getting traded to the Bears.

That earned him a big contract and continued a stream of schematic attention placed his way. Sweat deals with double teams and chips and blocking attention these days, which is why he felt “disrespected” when the Rams put a tight end on him in Week 4.

Another word for Sweat’s situation: fortunate. He easily got around his blocker and strip-sacked Matthew Stafford deep in Rams territory that led to a Bears touchdown.

Sweat is the type to both make plays and make others better with his mere presence, so you have to evaluate Sweat’s numbers relatively, though his sacks will come in time.

What is the one position you want the Bears to improve on? I think it’s center! (from Connerlamm via Instagram)

That’s a tough question, actually, because I think the Bears are in a decent spot within most position groups. It’s also a tough answer ‘cause I’m not sure if you’re referring to the short- or long-term.

I’ll go with the long term to make it easier. You say center Coleman Shelton. While I agree that he has struggled some – there’s some not-so-great social media video of him getting blown straight back – I don’t know if that’s my first spot.

I would take a spot on the interior line, though, maybe at right guard. I like what Matt Pryor has done there since taking over for Nate Davis, but we need to see how he fits over a full year.

I also think it’s a good thing that it took some time to figure out an answer. Would any team like an All-Pro over someone who isn’t an All-Pro? Sure. But I think there are rare positions of discernible weakness. There isn’t one on defense, especially with Darrell Taylor turning up at defensive end.

The Bears need better on the offensive line. Getting a stout presence there – high 2025 NFL draft pick, anyone? – would help secure that position group in a way that would help Caleb Williams.

You think the Bears are going to make the playoffs? (from Jayden.ortiz27 on Instagram)

I don’t make long-term predictions, Jayden. That’s a thing with me. So much can go right or wrong with health and development that bold predictions are often a lose-lose that will be ridiculed over time.

Will the Bears make the playoffs? I have no idea. I have seen no evidence that a spot is guaranteed, especially in a loaded NFC North. They’ll have to progress (and stay healthy) throughout the season and be ready for a grueling second-half of the campaign that is stacked with divisional opposition and tough teams throughout.

It’s impossible to tell at this point, but significant improvements, with offensive sync especially, must be made before a “yes” can even be under consideration.

Bair Mail 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.