We found ourselves once again mirroring a match that could have been a victory for the Chicago Bear (4-7), who lost 30-27 in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings (9-2). While they usually lose games like this after being in control, the Bears found themselves playing catch-up in the final minutes against the Vikings.
The Bears faced the fourth-best defense in the NFL and still put up 27 points. Even more impressive, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams not only had his best professional game to date, but led the charge for Chicago’s – almost – comeback for the third time this season.
That’s now five straight losses for the Bears, dating back to the heartbreaking Hail Mary loss to the Bears. Washington Commanders. All we can do is focus on the here and now, so here’s the good, the bad and the ugly of the Bears’ loss to the Vikings.
The Good
Caleb Williams: The rookie QB had a rough start to the season, then found his rhythm, then things went wrong again. But now, in the two games since the Bears fired Shane Waldron and switched to Thomas Brown, Williams has looked legit. It looks like he’ll be Chicago’s man for – hopefully – years to come. Williams gets the ball out much quicker, takes fewer sacks, and passes easily. On top of that, he uses his legs and athleticism a lot more to extend and maintain his possessions. Against the fourth-best defense in the NFL, Williams completed 32 of 47 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. The future looks bright in Chicago with Williams behind center.
Thomas Brown: This man saved the offense. Not just on the field, but off it too. The mojo is better, there are smiles on the sidelines and above all there are points on the board. Brown also saved Williams’ development. Over the last two games, the Bears have accumulated 391 and 398 yards, respectively. Chicago also put up a combined 46 points in those games — Waldron led the Bears to a combined 27 points in the previous three games. Distribution of the ball was one of the biggest takeaways from Brown’s two games. DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet and Rome Dounze all had at least five receptions against Minnesota. The Bears need to keep Brown somehow next season. His expertise and fire obviously have a major impact on Chicago’s offense.
The bad
Defense, all around: I’ll give this to the defense, that pass rush has gotten a little better. Montez Sweat looks like he’s back at 100% and DeMarcus Walker and Gervon Dexter Sr. had great games. Despite sacking Darnold three times, the defense didn’t put much pressure on him. This same problem was widespread against the Green Bay Packersand that’s literally the reason Jordan Love had some success in this match. In terms of coverage, there is a sharp drop. Jaylon Johnson could be CB1 in the entire NFL after limiting Justin Jefferson to two receptions for just 27 yards. Johnson had him covered so well that he was only targeted five times. But that opened up the opportunity for Jordan Addsion to take a major advantage against Tyrique Stevenson and torch the Bears for 162 yards on eight catches.
The ugly
Matt Eberflus: There is no doubt that Chicago needs a new head coach. The Bears took a step in the right direction after firing Waldron. I don’t expect Eberflus to be fired before the end of the season, but he has to go. He’s 14-31 as a head coach, and somehow he found a way to lose another game by a score of one. Eberflus is billed as a defensive head coach and is even the defense’s signal caller, but can’t make adjustments to stop Addison and prevent the Vikings from scoring in clutch situations. This has been a theme all season.
This article was originally published on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Vikings: Good, bad and ugly after Chicago’s Week 12 loss
