Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts: Week 3 Players to Watch

The NFL season is an evolving state of affairs. So much can and does change from week to week. Teams, schemes, and player's health all factor into performances on any given Sunday.

In this weekly series, I'll be featuring one player from each team on each side of the ball who I figure to be integral to their respective teams' success.

Let's get to it.

Chicago Bears Offense: D'Andre Swift, RB - There may not be a single player on the team that is receiving as much criticism and ire from fans as the former Lion and Eagle, and understandably so. After inking a lucrative 3-year $24 million contract this offseason, fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance, fans had lofty expectations for the 5'9", 215-pound back. Me included. Suffice it to say he has been a major disappointment through the first two weeks of the season with 48 yards on 24 carries and a mere first down. With 24 yards on 4 catches, he isn't doing much in the pass game either. That must change this week. Has the run blocking (or pass blocking for that matter) been good? Not hardly. But Swift is still struggling to make the most of what he's given, preferring to bounce too many runs outside instead of taking what is there. With the Indianapolis Colts struggling to stop the run (currently dead last in rush yards against), down their best defender in DT DeForest Buckner, the time is now to begin proving his value. If not, he'll find himself playing behind Khalil Herbert more often than not and we will struggle to come away with a win in Indy.

Defense: Tremaine Edmunds, LB - 'Maine followed up an average week 1 with a stellar week 2, accumulating 11 total tackles (8 solo), 1 sack, and 1 stuff in helping limit the Texans to 310 yards total with only 75 yards rushing. This week we will be on the road against one of the league's top backs in former Wisconsin Badger Jonathan Taylor, who has run for 151 yards and a score on 28 carries with a 5.4 yard average. Not to mention one of the most physically imposing and gifted athletes under center in the 6'4", 244lb QB from Florida who has averaged 9.3 yards per carry on his 10 rushing attempts so far this season. The 6'5" 250lb LB will have his hands full all day both in between the tackles and outside the pocket running down both weapons while also being a factor in the middle of the field in the pass game. If Edmunds can build off his momentum and clean up in the run game while minimizing the passing lanes, I wouldn't be surprised if our D pitched a shutout. If he gets bullied by Quenton Nelson and company, we could be in for a long day of ground and pound against the Colts.

Offense: Alec Pierce, WR - Through the first two weeks of the season, Alec Pierce leads the Colts in receptions (8), Yards (181), and TDs (2) with a long of 60 yards and a 22.6-yard average per catch. He was drafted to be a deep ball threat, and that is exactly what he is shaping up to be. After Nico Collins bullied us for 8 catches, 135 yards, and a score, I expect Pierce to be targeted early and often in this one, particularly when he's lined up against Tyrique Stevenson. Look for a double move, baiting Rique to gamble, and then a shot over the top, especially if they can get Jonathan Taylor and the run game going. If Anthony Richardson can connect with his deep ball specialist in this one, it will keep the Colts in the game. If we lock down the pass game, I expect the Colts to struggle to put more than 10 points on the board in what should be a one-sided Bears win.

Defense: Kwity Paye, DE - With star DL DeForest Buckner out with an ankle injury for the next 4 weeks at least, Paye will be tasked with picking up the slack up front for Indy. While Buckner typically plays inside with Paye on the outside, don't be surprised to see the former Michigan Wolverine kicking inside against our struggling iOL. Be it on stunts, where the Bears' interior has struggled most, or lined up inside on passing downs, I fully expect to see Paye schemed up 1 on 1 as much as possible against Coleman Shelton and crew. With 8.5 sacks a year ago and 1 on his tally so far this season, he is more than capable of wreaking havoc. If Paye can get to Caleb Williams in the pass game and help shut down our run game, this should be another defensive showdown coming down to the wire. But if we can render him a non-factor, we should run away with this one. Pun intended.

There will undoubtedly be plenty of others who step up and make a play that impacts the outcome, but the performance of these 4 players throughout the game stand out above the rest in my eyes.

What about you? Who are some key players to watch this week against the Colts?