All of the good vibes Chicago has been riding have dried up.
It happens quickly after a loss.
This was a frustrating loss because it should have been a game the Bears were competitive in. If they are going
to take the next step as an ascending team, there should be signs of growth.
But it was more messy penalties, inconsistent offense, no pass rush and settling for field goals instead of touchdowns.
The Bears were too reliant on turnovers and late-game heroics. Sunday in Baltimore, there were none.
But that is life of a young team. There are bound to be setbacks and steps backward.
Let’s hope they get it cleaned up.
Stock up
Rome Odunze, WR – Unfortunately for Rome, both of his 100-yard games this season have come in losses. While he still has some drop issues, Rome is the most consistent receiver for Caleb Williams.
Gervon Dexter, DT – Dexter recorded a sack, seven tackles, two TFLs and a QB hit. He’s been one of the most consistent disrupters that the Bears have on the defensive line.
Tory Taylor, P – His best punt of the day was negated by an iffy penalty. But he still averaged 54 yards per punt. He’s been getting better this year and we’re finally starting to see some of his pinning ability in games.
Stock down
Ben Johnson, coach – To me, this wasn’t his best game as a playcaller or as a strategist. His end-of-half and end-of-game clock management wasn’t great, and the play calls weren’t good either. The team squandered red zone opportunities, costing touchdowns. Overall, Johnson has been good, so hopefully this is just one blip, but it needs to be noted nonetheless.
Caleb Williams, QB – I get it, I see all the film people diving into the game and saying it didn’t look as bad as it did during the game. That may be. But Williams still needs to be better. More consistent. I want to be as patient as everyone talks about fans needing to be, but I also want my patience rewarded. This is the third game in a row where I’m left asking “when is the greatness going to show up?”
Josh Blackwell, CB – Blackwell was the hero last month in Vegas, but he had a penalty on the opening kickoff. Later, he fumbled a kick return, but it was recovered by Chicago.
Who is on your up and down list this week?
