Summary: Concerns about Tyrique Stevenson dominated pre-game talks, but in a rough 29-9 loss, it was the Bears’ starting lineup that fell short. The defense, which the Bears count on for road games, was absent in action as they struggled to secure a win.
Analysis: Despite their faith in the defense, the Bears have yet to win a road game this year or a Sunday day game since Matt Nagy’s coaching era. Even their recent London win on neutral ground hardly counts as it was influenced by unique travel circumstances. Missing key players like Montez Sweat, Kyler Gordon, and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears’ defense seemed lackluster. Stevenson, though penalized after a rough week, played two series due to Terell Smith’s injury.
Though the defense is expected to improve, the offense remains inconsistent. Breaking down the good, bad, and ugly reveals a bleak picture for the Bears’ performance in Arizona.
The Good
– Kicker Cairo Santos hit two 53-yard field goals amid rain and a 29-yarder, keeping the Bears close at 14-9 until halftime.
– Punter Tory Taylor averaged 54.5 yards, with one punt setting up the Cardinals’ first touchdown due to poor coverage.
– CB Tyrique Stevenson responded well to last week’s setback, making seven tackles and two pass breakups, including one against Marvin Harrison Jr.
– WR Rome Odunze connected well with Caleb Williams, with 87 of his 100 yards in the first half, helping keep the Bears competitive.
– DB Reddy Steward forced a fumble in his debut, recovered by Elijah Hicks.
The Bad
– S Kevin Byard missed tackles, including one that led to a touchdown.
– DT Gervon Dexter struggled against the run, drawing a penalty that allowed Arizona to extend their lead.
– LB Tremaine Edmunds had key errors, including allowing a Cardinals’ first down on a simple play.
– LB T.J. Edwards and the rest of the linebackers struggled as the Bears allowed a season-high 213 rushing yards.
– RB D’Andre Swift caused a safety with a poor block and lacked impact in the run game.
– WR Keenan Allen dropped a crucial pass that could have extended a drive.
The Ugly
– Coach Matt Eberflus made a costly decision to blitz, which allowed a 53-yard touchdown run. He also applied an ineffective penalty on Stevenson, compromising an already depleted defense.
– Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron failed to make key adjustments, missing chances to utilize Cole Kmet.
– QB Caleb Williams showed inconsistencies, with poor accuracy and discomfort in the pocket, resulting in a low road passer rating.
– The Injury List is growing, with concerns over Darnell Wright, Terell Smith, Jaylon Jones, and Andrew Billings, who joins the list with Montez Sweat, Kyler Gordon, and Jaquan Brisker. If they remain out, the Bears could miss six starters next week.
