Chicago Bears: 5 X-factor players for Week 6 vs. Panthers

2. Nick Foles, Quarterback

Appearing in just three games, Nick Foles has already had his ups and downs in a Chicago Bears uniform. He replaced Mitchell Trubisky in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons and engineered three fourth-quarter touchdowns to bring the Bears back. Then, in Week 4, he had his struggles moving the ball. Week 5 started out in a similar fashion before he straightened out and made big plays.

One of the reasons why Foles can come back from his struggles is his calm demeanor under pressure and his confidence. He always feels he can get the throw off despite all the pressure around the pocket. That calmness under pressure instills confidence in his teammates. They feel that no matter how down things are, Foles will get them the ball and allow them to make plays themselves.

Foles’ ability to stay in the pocket and get the throw off has all the receivers on notice. Instead of concentrating on one receiver, he’ll spread the targets around. Against Tampa Bay, he completed passes to seven different receivers. He’ll go through his progressions to find the open receiver.

Foles started his time in Chicago against two top-ten defenses in the league. He’s still trying to have a rapport with the receivers and get the offense moving and had to worry about these tough defenses. He doesn’t have that worry with the Panthers. Carolina ranks 12th in points allowed and 14th in passing yards.

In terms of a pass rush, they only have five sacks for the season. Foles should have more time to find receivers. He needs to take advantage of that. With more time to go through progressions, he’ll look better throwing. Hopefully, that is the case and the lingering questions start to subside.