When people talk about a game of two halves, the Chicago Bears’ heartbreaking 31-28 loss to the Denver Broncos is precisely what they mean.
A promising start, yet a disappointing finish. The Bears showcased their potential and their issues in this game. Chicago has now lost 14 consecutive games dating back to last season, and there appears to be no end in sight.
Let’s dissect the highs, lows, and heartbreak of the Bears’ Week 4 loss.
A Tale of Offensive Prowess and Errors
The Bears, led by quarterback Justin Fields, started the game with an outstanding balance, blending the run and pass effectively. Fields completed 15 consecutive passes to start the game and had a career-high in passing yards (3335) and passing touchdowns (4). He threw effortless touchdowns to DJ Moore and Cole Kmet to take an early lead.
However, despite this promising performance, there were glaring mistakes, most notably by Fields, whose fumble, intentional grounding penalty and game-ending interception were costly. These weren’t just errors; they were game-changing moments, spotlighting the need for increased focus and execution under pressure and drawing attention to Fields’ continued issues with protecting the football.
Defense: A Fall from Grace
Chicago’s defense started strong, stifling quarterback Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense. However, the second half was a different story. The same defense that forced punts and kept Denver out of the endzone struggled to contain the Broncos in the second half. The surrender of the lead was an example of the defense’s inability to adapt to Denver’s adjustments and avoid committing penalties. The Broncos scored 24 unanswered points to secure their first victory of the season.
Critical Decision in Crunch Time: Take the Points?
With less than three minutes on the clock, Matt Eberflus could be a hero or leave everyone questioning his choices. Tied at 28-28 and facing a crucial fourth-and-one, he opted to go for it in a surprising move, shunning a 35-yard field goal. Running back Khalil Herbert took the shotgun handoff and was stopped dead for no gain.
It’s unclear if this was Eberflus overestimating Chicago’s rushing ability or underestimating the Denver defense. The Broncos seized this unexpected gift, immediately responding with a 48-yard drive, resulting in the game-winning 51-yard field goal.
Summary
The clash between the Bears and the Broncos was a roller coaster of emotions, from the exhilarating first-half brilliance to the despair of a second-half collapse. Chicago fell prey to their shortcomings, committing crucial errors on the field and the sidelines. Fields, despite his fast start, will need to reflect on his vital mistakes in the second half as such errors, as seen, are the thin line between victory and defeat.
Eberflus will be remembered for his decision in that pivotal moment, leaving many wondering – what if the Bears had chosen differently?
