Bears Fall Short Against Vikings in Season Opener
The Chicago Bears kicked off the Ben Johnson era with a narrow 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football at Soldier Field. The game unfolded dramatically, with the Bears’ defense showcasing resilience for the first three quarters, conceding just six points. However, a devastating fourth quarter saw them surrender 21 points, leading to a frustrating defeat.
Defensive Collapse and Offensive Promises
While the defense will undoubtedly face intense scrutiny following the late-game collapse, attention has shifted toward quarterback Caleb Williams. In his second year as a starter, Williams completed 21 of 35 passes for 210 yards, including a touchdown through the air. He also demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities with 58 rushing yards and a score on the ground.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Bears displayed flashes of offensive promise. Williams’ ability to extend plays and make crucial runs was evident, but the inconsistency in his passing game remains a focal point after this loss.
Areas for Improvement
On “CBS Sports HQ,” former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long highlighted a significant concern regarding Williams as he prepares for Week 2. “You talked about 10 for 10 to start the game,” Long noted, referencing Williams’ strong start. “But go look at the completions. A lot of check downs. The argument last year was that he held the ball too long and didn’t take his check downs. Ben [Johnson] had the check down set up for him.”
Long elaborated on the adjustments made by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who shifted his defensive strategy to focus on the check-down receiver, often forcing Williams to make plays further down the field. “That’s where the accuracy issues showed their head multiple times in big moments of the game,” Long pointed out.
Looking Ahead
As the Bears look to regroup after this tough defeat, the spotlight will be on Williams and his ability to bounce back. “We’re going to find out a lot more about Caleb Williams and how he responds week to week,” Long said. “These things are tough pills to swallow, but the really good ones manage to keep moving forward.”
Next up for the Bears is a challenging matchup against the Detroit Lions, who are coming off a loss to the Green Bay Packers. Williams and the Bears will need to sharpen their game if they hope to secure a victory and gain momentum in the early stages of the season.
