We’ve all had dry turkey on Thanksgiving before. Overcooked and under seasoned. Or both. Sounds like a certain head coach.
After a dismal first half in Detroit against the Lions, Caleb Williams and Co. showed some serious life against one of the league’s best teams. However, no matter how close these Chicago Bears seem to be, they are unable to overcome the abysmal coaching issues that consistently spoil their efforts. Here are my notes from yet another close loss to a divisional rival.
Offense:
- I highlighted him in my Players to Watch article as he needed to have a big game in both the run and the pass, and Cole Kmet answered with what may have been his worst all around effort of the season against the Detroit Lions.
- From ill-timed penalties (again) to simply poor play calls and/or execution, the Bears offense struggled to get anything going in the first half. Came out flat and unprepared.
- Caleb had another epic performance, becoming the franchise leader in TD passes as a rookie and the first player this season to throw for multiple TDs against the Lions. That said, he missed a couple of throws that would have swayed the outcome and looked lost and confused on the final play as time expired.
- Now, about that final play. A rookie quarterback should NEVER have been in that position, especially after the sack. Much has been said about Eberflus’ late-game management or lack thereof. “Coaching malpractice” sums it up best, in my opinion. If Poles needed any more reasons why Flus should be gone, he got one.
- Thomas Brown, however, seemed to adjust quite nicely after halftime and did a good job of scheming his players the ball. DJ Moore set a career-high in targets and looked like a legit RB multiple times (lowering his shoulder on bruiser LB Malcolm Rodriguez was a sight to see) and absolutely toasted young, promising DB Brian Branch on his TD catch. DJ is playing his best ball of the year, and this offense is humming. Not a coincidence.
- Speaking of an offense humming, Keenan Allen once again (and again) shows why he was a valuable addition this off-season. He continues to be a security blanket for the rookie and puts on a clinic each week in route running despite having lost a step. I would like to bring him back at the right price.
- Interior Offensive Line continues to be a glaring weakness. How Caleb continues to navigate the pocket and evade pressure from all angles has been super impressive. Imagine what this offense would look like with some more talent up front.
Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images
Defense:
- Speaking of continued issues, the soft run D is perhaps the most glaring issue on this team. Both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs battered and gashed us all day. The fact we were still in the game in the 4th Q was a testament to the players on both sides not giving up. Detroit racked up 85 yards rushing in the first Q alone. We had -1.
- Another pass rusher or two would also do wonders for our Defense as opposing QBs have far too much time to operate unmolested from the pocket.
- Why in the world did Sanborn and crew not go low on Pennei Sewell?!
- Gotta give credit to the defense for bending but not breaking so much in the first half. What should have been 28-0 at halftime was only 16-0. Redzone Defense has been great all year.
- Dexter was manhandled in the run game both with double teams and great technique, but I loved the way he competed all game. If we could get him a bully-buddy, it would be a huge boost to his prospects.
- Kyler Gordon (another player I highlighted) had himself a tremendous game. Sticky in coverage all day and an almost-pick covering Amon Ra St. Brown in the endzone while also proving feisty in run support. He was a thorn in the Lions’ side. Also, the “horse collar” penalty was absolute garbage and ended up extending the drive and being the difference in this one.
- Speaking of penalties, how we somehow jumped offsides AGAIN in an obvious situation is now comical. #blameFlus
- Tyrique Stevenson was once again targeted (successfully) in coverage, but he finally made up for it with a clutch FF on a big-time hit in the red zone.
- Overall, a solid, spirited effort against one of the best offenses in the league. We had a chance to win with this sort of effort.
Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Special Teams:
- Coverage units looked much better this week.
- Tory Taylor had himself a decent game, though I feel the Lions punter made more of an impact.
- Return units seemed to be minimized.
In the end, much of the same yesterday. A spirited effort by many of our players but too many mental errors and HC decisions to overcome. Thought we had this one too!
How about you? Who or what stood out in yesterday’s nailbiter to the Lions?