Final Score: Lions 52 Bears 21
The Bears lost to the Lions in horrific fashion this Sunday in the most pathetic performance I’ve ever seen out of a Chicago defense. It was appalling to witness a franchise that has such pride in its defensive prowess surrender 52 points. It marked the first time Chicago had allowed 50+ points since 2014, and fell just 3 points shy of tying the franchise record (55 points)–which would have been met had Lions kicker Jake Bates converted a 55-yard field goal attempt early in the second quarter.
It was utter domination, with Lions QB Jared Goff racking up 5 touchdowns, 3 of them to WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. The third was the product of an interesting decision by Detroit to go for it on 4th down midway through the 4th quarter while leading by 24 points. Dan Campbell clearly wanted to stick it to Ben Johnson, which he was mightily successful in doing.
It’s already doomsday in Chicago with many fans seeming apathetic. As the Cowboys roll into town, next week’s contest has become must-win. If Matt Eberflus’ defense successfully delays Ben Johnson’s first win by yet another week, the media will almost inevitably begin calling for the benching of Caleb Williams, the firing of GM Ryan Poles, and begin severely questioning Ben Johnson. An 0-2 start was never out of the realm of possibility; many thought it likely. However, the fashion of the losses was not expected and is not acceptable to Bears fans.
Glaring Issues
The Defense Has Been Terrible
I don’t care how skilled the Lions offense is; the Bears have given up 73 points in their last 5 quarters of play. I’ve never seen a Chicago Bears defense look anything like this before. It held on for about a quarter this week, forcing some key 3-and-outs and preventing the Lions from capitalizing on a botched Bears 4th-and-1 in Lions territory and a D’Andre Swift fumble. However, the floodgates eventually opened.
Injuries are a Major Problem
A key reason behind the defense’s struggles is the injuries it is facing. Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson–the team’s best player–returned from injury, only to re-injure himself 3 minutes into the 2nd quarter. Johnson is now out indefinitely per Adam Schefter, a major blow to Bears as a whole.
Starting linebacker TJ Edwards also returned this past Sunday, and also re-injured himself. While we are still pending an update on his status, I don’t have high hopes. His and Johnson’s issues come on top of stud nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon’s hiatus this season (his status unknown, but an IR stint seems possible). It is also notable that CB Terrell Smith, who looked great splitting time with CB Tyrique Stevenson last season, is lost for the season due to a preseason injury. The Bears are far too injured for my liking two weeks into the season.
Pass Rush was Non-Existent
In addition to secondary health concerns, the mostly-healthy defensive line simply played poorly. It posted 0 sacks and only 5 quarterback pressures (the Lions had 11). Edge rushed Montez Sweat needs to step up. He’s currently making $24.5 million per year to create 1.5 pressures per game. He’s yet to record a sack this season.
In addition, offseason acquisitions Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo were unnoticable. Lions QB Jared Goff struggles mightily under pressure due to his immobility, but the Bears allowed him to stand in the pocket like a statue, free to dissect the depleted secondary. Goff recorded an equal number of touchdowns and incompletions (5).
Penalties Remain an Issue
A problem in Week 1, penalties continue to hinder the Bears this season. On the crucial first drive of the second half, veteran RB D’Andre Swift grabbed a false start penalty, sparking a 3-and-out. The Bears led 8-3 in penalties. The offensive line, once again, was the main culprit. LT Braxton Jones, C Drew Dalman, RG Jonah Jackson, and RT Darnell Wright all were guilty of a penalty in the game.
Ben Johnson/Caleb Williams Temperature Check
Although the Johnson-Williams era has gotten off to a rocky start, we have to remind ourselves that it’s only 2 games old. Johnson is still learning how to be a head coach on top of building an offense around his new personnel, while Caleb is still learning yet another new offense and how to be a high-level NFL quarterback in general.
Unlike years past, I haven’t felt for one second that playcalling is the issue that the Bears are facing. There are some great concepts being ran; Williams and the offense just need to work out the kinks. Johnson also needs to grow from Weeks 1 and 2 and figure out which buttons to press in the future.
Williams was fine this week. He made some nice throws including several connections to Rome Odunze and a bullet of a throw on an early 3rd-and-4 to Olamide Zaccheaus. When you zoom out there were very few bad plays from Williams in this game; the loss was a product of defense, penalties, and miscommunication.
Bright Spots
Rome Odunze Breakout Season
One silver lining from the Week 2 blowout was second-year WR Rome Odunze’s impressive performance. Odunze looks poised for a sophomore season breakout after reeling in 7 receptions for 128 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in his best game as a Bear. Rome is tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns (3) in this young season along with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Emeka Egbuka, and Quentin Johnston.
Bears Score Another First Drive Touchdown
Ben Johnson has proven himself skilled at scripting plays. The Bears are 2/2 in first drive touchdowns this season, a stark difference from last season in which Shane Waldron’s offense posted none. Getting off to a quick start has never been something the Bears have been able to do, so it’s nice to see the offense move the ball early. Unfortunately, the unit has tended to stall following the scripted plays.
Standout Performers
Jahmyr Gibbs
Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was in mint condition this week. After being stifled by Green Bay’s defense in Week 1 (9 carries for 19 yards; 2.1 yards per carry), Gibbs racked up 94 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries, posting an insane 7.8 yards per carry. He looked extremely smooth and explosive every time he touched the ball. He is incredibly quick and created a massive problem for Chicago’s defense.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s gaudy statline cannot go unmentioned. St. Brown posted 3 touchdowns and 115 yards on 9 receptions. Whenever the Lions needed a first down, it felt like Goff would spot Amon-Ra wide open for a big gain. St. Brown put up the 3rd-highest PFF receiving grade in his impressive Week 2 showing.
Key Drive of the Game
The pivotal drive in this game was Detroit’s final possession of the first half. Up only 7 points with 1:55 remaining in the 2nd quarter, the Bears were still well within reach. Goff moved the ball down the field quickly, kicking off the drive with consecutive completions of 8, 10, 12, and 7 yards. A spectacular 29-yard grab by rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa placed the ball on the 4-yard-line, and Amon-Ra St. Brown did the rest.
The way the Lions quickly and easily doubled their lead heading into halftime felt like a big blow to Chicago. Momentum from their previous touchdown dissipated, making it crucial to clap back with a score of their own on the first drive of the 2nd half. Once that possession ran 3-and-out, it was over.