CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears showed some encouraging developments in their latest matchup following the promotion of Thomas Brown to offensive coordinator. However, the game concluded heartbreakingly for the team once again.
D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson each contributed with a rushing touchdown, which marked the Bears’ highest scoring output in a month. Caleb Williams delivered several key passes that set up a potential win, but unfortunately, Cairo Santos’ 46-yard field goal attempt was blocked as time expired, resulting in a narrow 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. This marks the Bears’ fourth straight defeat, although they managed to score two touchdowns this time, after a dreary stretch where they scored only 27 points during their previous three games.
“I thought Thomas did a great job, honestly,” remarked rookie receiver Rome Odunze. “He put us in a position to have success.” Shortly before the game, Brown was elevated to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Shane Waldron, having previously served as the team’s passing game coordinator. Additionally, Brown had experience calling plays for the Carolina Panthers during the past season.
Johnson’s 1-yard rush just before halftime broke a dismal streak of 25 consecutive drives without a touchdown. This was the first occasion since December 2004 that Chicago had gone two games without scoring a touchdown. “From the start of the week, making the change at offensive coordinator, I was really pleased with how the operation went, particularly the collaboration between the offensive staff and the players,” said head coach Matt Eberflus. “That was evident today.”
“Communication during the game was excellent. The players identified solutions to advance the ball, and they executed well. I thought Thomas Brown did a wonderful job fostering that collaboration,” Eberflus added.
Caleb Williams had his most impressive outing since throwing for 226 yards and four touchdowns in a prior victory against Jacksonville. Against the Packers, he completed 23 of 31 passes for 231 yards and added 70 rushing yards on nine carries. The young quarterback, who is about to turn 23, had struggled in his previous three games, completing just over 50% of his passes and facing nine sacks against New England. However, he managed to reduce that number to three against Green Bay.
Williams was quicker at releasing the ball during much of the game and displayed greater decisiveness when running lanes opened up. He acknowledged Brown’s effectiveness in quickly communicating plays during the game, which allowed the offense to stay in rhythm. “There were several moments where Thomas would quickly relay a play just after a positive play, which is crucial,” Williams explained.
With support from Williams and Swift—who made a stunning 39-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter—the Bears collectively rushed for 179 yards on 34 attempts. This was a significant improvement compared to the 142 rushing yards across their last two games, which required 43 carries. “We prepared for a tough fight today and were ready until the end,” said Swift. “I’m proud of the effort we showed. I just wish it had a different outcome, but we’ll put in the work to improve.”