Bears’ Week 2 Woes: Odunze Shines Amidst Lions’ Roar as Chicago Faces Early Season Turmoil
The Chicago Bears are grappling with a tumultuous start to the 2023 NFL season, having suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Detroit Lions. In a game that saw the Bears fall 52-21, the struggles of the team were glaringly evident, leaving fans questioning the direction of the franchise.
A Disastrous Return for Ben Johnson
For Ben Johnson, the Bears’ head coach, this marked a challenging homecoming to Detroit. The final score encapsulated the Bears’ struggles on both offense and defense. Throughout the game, Chicago lacked rhythm, and their toughness was called into serious question. After an encouraging but ultimately disappointing Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bears’ performance in Week 2 was a stark contrast, leaving them at 0-2 and staring down the barrel of a long season.
Stud: Rome Odunze
Despite the overall team failure, one bright spot emerged from the ashes: rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. He turned in a standout performance, catching seven passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. While he did have some uncharacteristic drops, Odunze’s developing connection with quarterback Caleb Williams was a silver lining in an otherwise bleak outing.
Dud: Colston Loveland
Conversely, tight end Colston Loveland continued to struggle in his second week as a professional. After a meager debut that saw him record just two catches for 12 yards, Loveland was entirely absent against the Lions, finishing with zero receptions. This lack of production from a player selected 10th overall raises serious concerns about the team’s ability to effectively utilize their premium draft assets.
Dud: Bears Pass Rush
The Bears’ pass rush was another glaring issue during the game. Despite expectations of an improved defense, Jared Goff faced no pressure, resulting in a frustrating afternoon for Chicago. With 28 dropbacks and zero sacks recorded, Goff lit up the scoreboard with 334 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing a defensive performance that lacked urgency and effectiveness.
Dud: D’Andre Swift
On the ground, D’Andre Swift struggled to find any traction. While the statistics may suggest a decent outing with 12 carries for 63 yards — bolstered by a single 20-yard run — Swift’s inability to consistently exploit running lanes raises questions about his role as the Bears’ primary back. His performance did little to inspire confidence moving forward.
Dud: Darnell Wright
Rookie offensive lineman Darnell Wright also faced scrutiny after his performance. His repeated false starts and struggles in protecting Williams put him under the microscope. As the most talented offensive lineman on the roster, Wright needs to elevate his game quickly or risk losing his starting position.
Dud: Ben Johnson’s Offense
While the jury is still out on Johnson’s long-term viability as the head coach, his debut in charge left much to be desired. The offense appeared disorganized, plagued by penalties that stifled any momentum. Johnson inherited a challenging situation, but the early signs of dysfunction in his system are troubling.
As the Bears look to regroup and find their footing, they must address these issues urgently. With the season still in its infancy, the pressure is on to turn things around before the 2026 NFL Draft becomes a looming concern for a franchise desperately seeking to reclaim its competitive edge.
