The Chicago Bears are in full-blown crisis mode following a 41-10 defeat at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, capping a dismal week for a team that has now lost 13 straight games.
“Just gotta have belief,” said coach Matt Eberflus on Monday. “You’ve gotta have belief in each other, in the coaches, in the players, and in the work we put in every day. History shows that if you push through obstacles and adversity, good things will eventually happen.”
It’s been a long time since the Bears (0-3) have seen any success. Their last victory came in a surprise win against New England on October 24 of last year. With high expectations entering this season after finishing with the NFL’s worst record, the Bears have instead struggled, failing to build on their hopes.
The Bears’ lackluster performances against Green Bay and Tampa Bay set a negative tone, and the team’s week was marred by unsettling developments before their game in Kansas City.
Defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned on Wednesday, citing health and family reasons. On the same day, quarterback Justin Fields expressed concerns about being overwhelmed by information from coaches, affecting his performance.
Instead of rallying, the Bears faltered once again.
WHAT’S WORKING The run game has shown some promise. The Bears are 17th in rushing yards per game (101.7) but 11th in yards per attempt (4.3). They managed 116 rushing yards on 26 carries against Kansas City.
WHAT NEEDS HELP The pass rush remains a major issue. The Bears have just one sack this season, the worst in the NFL, compared to the league-leading Pittsburgh Steelers’ 13 sacks.
STOCK UP RB Roschon Johnson has been a bright spot, averaging 5.3 yards per carry despite only accumulating 90 rushing yards over three games.
STOCK DOWN Justin Fields had another tough game, completing 11 of 22 passes for 99 yards, an interception, and a late, inconsequential touchdown against Kansas City. Fields’ struggles continue as he approaches the decision on his fifth-year option for 2025.
INJURIES
- CB Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) exited the game.
- S Jaquan Brisker and CB Josh Blackwell (hamstring) were injured during the game.
- CB Tyrique Stevenson, initially evaluated for a concussion, was later determined to have a neck issue. Eberflus clarified that Stevenson’s departure was due to an illness, not a concussion.
- S Eddie Jackson (foot) was inactive.
KEY NUMBER 250 – The Bears’ average yards per game, only ahead of the Titans, Jets, and Bengals.
NEXT STEPS The Bears face the Denver Broncos, who are also winless and coming off a historic 70-20 loss to Miami. Despite the Broncos’ own struggles, they opened as 1.5-point favorites against the Bears, highlighting the challenging position Chicago finds itself in.
