Dan Orlovsky thinks one aspect will keep Bears alive without Caleb Williams

ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes the Chicago Bears can remain competitive even without their star quarterback Caleb Williams due to the team's potent running game. On Sunday, Williams suffered a hamstring injury during a game against the Minnesota Vikings and was carted off the field. He is expected to undergo tests on Monday to assess the severity of his injury.

Despite this setback, Orlovsky maintains that the Bears' dominant offensive line and running game present a significant advantage. He points to examples in recent NFL history where teams have continued to perform well even after losing their starting quarterbacks. He specifically cites the Philadelphia Eagles, who, despite Carson Wentz replacing Nick Foles following the latter's injury, were still able to maintain their offensive prowess.

Similarly, Orlovsky highlights the success of teams with strong running games, such as the New England Patriots under Tom Brady and the San Francisco 49ers under Kyle Shanahan, when their quarterbacks were unavailable. The Bears themselves boast a formidable duo in running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who have both been instrumental in the team's offensive success during the early part of the season.

Swift has recorded 34 carries for 169 yards and three touchdowns, while Monangai has contributed with 20 carries for 147 yards and one touchdown. Should the Bears' running game maintain its current effectiveness, Orlovsky asserts that it will still prove challenging for opposing defenses to contain the team's offensive capabilities, even with the absence of Williams.

The Bears currently sit at 1-1 and are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a Monday Night Football matchup next week.