Bears vs. Jets: 4 Major Concerns for Chicago in Week 4

The Chicago Bears enter Week 4 of the season preparing to face the New York Jets with a 2-1 record, while managing multiple roster concerns and tactical challenges. Following an upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Bears face an improved Jets squad that sits at 1-2 after playing all three of its opponents tough through the early portion of the schedule.

Aaron Glenn Brings Direct Familiarity With Ben Johnson’s Offense

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn brings deep tactical familiarity into the matchup against Ben Johnson. Glenn served as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator starting in 2021, overlapping with Johnson for three seasons before both coaches left in 2025. That shared history gives Glenn extensive experience going up against Johnson’s offensive schemes in daily practice settings.

David Bailey and Jets Edge Rushers Target Chicago’s Offensive Line

Chicago will likely play without starting quarterback Caleb Williams for the second week, creating a downgrade in mobility under center. That mobility reduction intersects with a formidable New York pass-rush that ranks tied for seventh in the NFL with eight sacks and 50 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus tracking data. Compounding the challenge for the Bears, starting left tackle Braxton Jones remains week-to-week with a knee injury. If backup Ozzy Trapilo is unavailable, Chicago projects to turn to Theo Benedet on the left side of the line. The Jets deploy an edge rotation featuring David Bailey, Kingsley Enagbare, and Will McDonald, who have combined for five sacks and 23 pressures.

Garrett Wilson and Passing Attack Target Secondary Vulnerabilities

New York enters the contest ranking 11th in passing yards per game, presenting a significant test for a struggling Chicago secondary. Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson has surrendered completions at an 82.4% clip and a 118.7 passer rating. Tyrique Stevenson has allowed a 55.6% completion rate alongside a 137.5 passer rating, while Malik Muhammad has performed strongest in the slot with a 50% completion rate and a 48.7 passer rating allowed. While Adonai Mitchel’s injury status remains uncertain, the Jets feature wide receiver Garrett Wilson and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the passing game. Conversely, the Jets’ offensive line has allowed nine sacks through three games, tying for the fourth-most in the league, giving the Chicago pass-rush an opening to pressure New York’s front.

Jets Run Defense Tests Chicago’s Ground Game

Chicago’s rushing attack produced a second straight lackluster outing prior to leaning on Case Keenum’s passing performance. The ground game faces another stiff test against a New York defense that concedes the seventh-fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL. If the Bears’ offensive execution fails to improve on the ground and through the air on Sunday, moving the ball and scoring points will present a persistent hurdle.

Uncertainty remains surrounding whether Caleb Williams or Braxton Jones will be cleared to play when the Bears take the field against the Jets.