If there was any solace to another demoralizing loss, it’s that — regardless of what happens this year or who coaches the team next year — the quarterback is the best thing the Bears have going for them. Williams (32 of 47, 340 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, 103.1 passer rating) responded to the moment. A rookie mistake led to a sack that stalled the offense in overtime, but he more than anyone will have time to learn from his mistakes.
A week after the Bears’ offense looked much improved — gaining 391 yards but scoring just 19 points against the Packers’ 11th-ranked scoring defense, the Bears gained 398 yards and scored 27 points against the Vikings’ fourth-ranked defense. Wide receivers Keenan Allen (nine receptions, 86 yards, one touchdown), DJ Moore (7-106, one touchdown) and Rome Odunze (5-39) complemented each other. And tight end Cole Kmet (7-64) also played a key role. Williams had six pass plays of 20 yards or more, including 40 (Allen), 37 (Moore), 30 (D’Andre Swift), 27 (Moore) and 25 (Allen).
DeMarcus Walker (sack, five tackles, two tackles for loss) broke through the line to tackle Aaron Jones for no gain at the Bears 2-yard line, allowing Jonathan Owens to strip the ball and recover the fumble. Montez Sweat (sack, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits) made a bigger impact late in the game. Gervon Dexter had an early batted pass. Jacob Martin had a sack. Byron Cowart had a tackle for loss.
Another mixed bag that wasn’t good enough. Tarvarius Moore recovered an onside kick that place-kicker Cairo Santos perfectly executed. Santos also kicked a 48-yarder as time expired to send the game into overtime. But he also had a 48-yard attempt blocked — the second consecutive week the Bears had a field goal blocked. Punt returner DeAndre Carter had a punt deflect off him for a turnover, then returned a kickoff 55 yards to set up a touchdown that got the Bears within 27-24.
Matt Eberflus’ team showed admirable resilience in rallying from a 27-16 deficit in the final 1:56 of regulation — but still looked poorly coached. The indecision on the fourth-and-four from the Vikings’ 27 in the third quarter — with the field goal unit running on the field, then off before Williams hurriedly threw incomplete for Keenan Allen — is the latest red flag that demands change at Halas Hall.
