Bears vs. Chiefs: Everything Chicago Bears fans need to know about the Week 3 loss
The Chicago Bears suffer a humiliating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, marking their 13th consecutive loss and raising concerns about their performance and coaching.
The Chicago Bears suffered a devastating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with a final score of 41-10, on Sunday. This defeat is particularly disheartening as it marks 11 months since the Bears last won a regular season football game, and it extends their losing streak to 13 games.
With an 0-3 record, the Bears are facing an uphill battle. Only three percent of teams that have started the season with this record since 1990 have managed to make it to the playoffs. Considering the lack of competitiveness in their games thus far and the challenging schedule ahead, the outlook for Chicago is not promising.
Despite the disappointment, let's delve into what we learned from the Bears' Week 3 loss to the Chiefs.
One notable aspect was Justin Fields' comments about his coaching. Earlier in the week, Fields made remarks that some interpreted as him criticizing his coaches. He mentioned that his struggles were due to overthinking caused by coaching instructions to stay in the pocket. Fields expressed his intention to "be himself" against the Chiefs, but unfortunately, his performance did not improve significantly. He completed 11 of 22 passes for 99 yards, with one passing touchdown and 47 rushing yards.
Another significant development was the departure of defensive coordinator Alan Williams for health reasons. This unexpected change led to rumors and uncertainty at Halas Hall. Instead of appointing an interim coordinator, Matt Eberflus took over the defensive play-calling duties for the second consecutive week. However, the defense appeared to regress, although it is worth noting that they were up against one of the NFL's top offenses.
The Bears continue to struggle with establishing an offensive identity. Whether Fields is instructed to be a pocket passer or given the freedom to move, the results remain inconsistent. Play-calling lacks coherence, with Luke Getsy abandoning the rushing game prematurely. These offensive issues are compounding, resulting in losses. To achieve success, the Bears must find a way to effectively run the ball, as they did in 2022 when they ran it more than half of the time. Fields' struggles in the passing game, combined with a lack of support on the ground, contribute to the team's ongoing challenges.
The game against the Chiefs did not start off as a complete disaster for the Bears. They managed to force a punt from Kansas City on their first drive, offering a glimmer of hope. However, that momentum quickly dissipated when Patrick Mahomes connected with Jerick McKinnon for a six-yard touchdown, giving the Chiefs a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The Bears' spirits were further deflated when Clyde Edwards-Helaire scored a one-yard touchdown on the subsequent drive, extending the Chiefs' lead and setting the stage for a lopsided defeat.
While it would be cliché to say the game was over before it began, it is evident that the Bears faced an uphill battle from the start. Justin Fields, despite not being solely responsible for the team's struggles, had a particularly challenging game. His comments earlier in the week had raised hopes for a turnaround, but instead, the team witnessed regression. The pressure falls on Fields to prove himself and turn the tide.
Luke Getsy, the offensive coordinator, also bears responsibility for the team's lackluster performance. Whether it is a matter of play-calling or a lack of talent at the quarterback position, there is a clear disconnect that falls on Getsy's shoulders. If the Bears hope to secure even a single victory, let alone multiple wins, they need to return to the offensive strategies that worked for them in 2022.
As for Matt Eberflus, the defensive coordinator, it remains uncertain whether he has lost the trust of the locker room. However, the team's effort appears to be dwindling, which makes it challenging to keep players motivated. Eberflus, touted as a defensive genius, made the controversial decision to part ways with defensive stars like Khalil Mack, citing a lack of fit with his system. Yet, the results on the field have been far from impressive.
Following this embarrassing blowout loss, the Bears will face the Denver Broncos, who also suffered a devastating 50-point defeat in their Week 3 matchup against the Dolphins. Both teams enter the game with a winless record of 0-3 and a lack of identity on both offense and defense. The outcome of this game will be crucial for both teams as they seek to turn their seasons around.
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