Final Score: Cardinals 29 Bears 9
The Bears dropped their second consecutive game this week in a pitiful performance against the middling Arizona Cardinals. The after-effects of the Jayden Daniels hail mary in week 8 appeared to be a factor. The Bears looked uninspired on Sunday and weren’t ready to play. After losing the first two games of a pivotal stretch in the schedule before the large clump of divisional games, Chicago’s playoff chances are now slim-to-none. This game was arguably tougher to watch than the Washington matchup. The Bears defense was consistently gashed in the run game, while the offense was only able to muster up 3 field goals (all in the first half). Though it’s week 9, the season officially feels over.
Glaring Issues
The Team Looked Extremely Flat
The most glaring issue after Sunday’s game is the fact that the team looked dead out there. While the absence of several key players is certainly a valid cause, it is the coaching staff’s job to motivate players and get them to give it their all on Sunday afternoons. Head coach Matt Eberflus’ ability to motivate his guys was the only reason that he didn’t lose his job this past offseason. Despite a rough start to the 2023 season, Eberflus never lost the locker room. This year appears to be different. Team leaders like DJ Moore and Kevin Byard have begun openly speaking out against the coaching staff, which is extremely troubling.
Heach Coach and Offensive Coordinator are Sitting Ducks
After this week, HC Matt Eberflus and OC Shane Waldron both appear to be sitting ducks. Every week there is a new issue with the offensive gameplan. Waldron has struggled to use the Bears offensive weapons to their full potential. Star players like Cole Kmet and DJ Moore are hardly getting targets as the offense failed to score a touchdown this week. With the coaches almost surely on their way out of the door, their messages probably don’t resinate as much as they should. It’s just an all-around bad situation.
More Injuries
For the second week in a row, new injuries are a cause for concern. JaQuan Brisker has already been ruled out again for next week’s matchup. Cosidering his history and extended absence, I’m beginning to grow concerned about him. Star edge rusher Montez Sweat actually ended up missing this game, in addition to nickel Kyler Gordon, left tackle Braxton Jones. Nose tackle Andrew Billings suffered a chest injury that is likely to be season-ending. Billings, though he doesn’t stuff the stat sheet, is integral in run defense and will be sorely missed. Right tackle Darnell Wright also got banged up and has already been ruled out for next week as well. Cornerback Terrell Smith finally returned to the lineup after getting injured before the season, but played only 9 snaps before leaving with an injury.
Bright Spots
Rome Odunze Looked Good
The only positive I can muster up from this game was Rome Odunze’s performance. The rookie wide receiver put up 104 yards on 5 catches. This marked his second time surpassing 100 receiving yards in his career, as well as his third time reaching 5 catches in a single game. He and QB Caleb Williams seem to be developing good chemistry.
Standout Performers
James Conner
Cardinals running back James Conner looked unstoppable this week. He racked up 107 rushing yards on only 18 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Conner is a really tough runner that the Bears defense had a difficult time getting to the ground. He set the tone for the Cardinals offense a provided it consistent yardage on first down.
Zaven Collins
Outside linebacker Zaven Collins’ presence was felt on Sunday. According to PFF, Collins recorded a whopping 3 sacks. The Cardinals constant pressure was a major storyline this Sunday and Collins was a big piece of it.
Key Drive of the Game
The key drive of the game was certainly the Cardinals’ touchdown drive at the end of the second half. The score was 14-9 when Arizona gained possession with only 26 seconds left in the second quarter. Cardinals second-string running back Emari Demercado ended up busting a 53-yard touchdown that extended the lead. The touchdown was extremely deflating and Chicago was never able to respond.