The Chicago Bears (3-10) suffered a 28-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers (5-8), which marked their sixth straight defeat and eighth consecutive against Green Bay.
The Bears led for the entire game until the fourth quarter, where playing not to lose ultimately cost them the game. The Packers scored 18 unanswered points to get the win.
Some poor play calling decisions by Luke Getsy, Cairo Santos missing two key kicks and allowing 18 unanswered points were big factors. While the defeat gets them one step closer to a top draft pick, Chicago could’ve (and should’ve) beaten Green Bay.
But the Packers barely beat a bad Bears team, and the future is bright with Fields at quarterback. Not to mention, Chicago is one step closer to getting that No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
There were no shortage of standout performances — both good and bad — in this loss. Here’s a look at our studs and duds from the Bears’ loss to the Packers.
STUD: QB Justin Fields
Justin Fields made his return to the lineup after missing last week with a separated left shoulder, and he reminded everyone he’s one of the most electric players in the league. Fields completed 20-of-25 passes (80%) for 254 yards and added six carries for 71 yards, including a 56-yard rushing score that left fans in awe. Fields did have two interceptions on the final two drives, the first of which was on Equanimeous St. Brown. But it certainly doesn’t diminish what was easily his best passing day. Not to mention, the future is bright with Fields.
DUD: K Cairo Santos
Cairo Santos has been reliable for the Bears at kicker, but he’s had a couple of rough outings this year, which has cost Chicago. And that was true against the Packers, in what was a close game where Santos missed an extra point and had a field goal blocked that ultimately left four points on the field.
STUD: LB Jack Sanborn
Jack Sanborn has been the best part of this Bears defense since the Roquan Smith trade, and it certainly feels like we’re looking at a potential long-term starter in Chicago. Sanborn has been impressive since stepping in at middle linebacker in Week 9. In his fifth start, Sanborn had another impressive day against the Packers. Sanborn led the Bears with 11 tackles, including a tackle for loss. He also made a nice play in coverage to prevent a Green Bay touchdown. The future is bright for the undrafted rookie.
DUD: OC Luke Getsy
Luke Getsy has been inconsistent this season, where he’s had good days or bad days. Today wasn’t his best day when it comes to play calling, where he seemed to hinder an offense that was jelling in the first half. There were a couple of series in the second half where Getsy was conservative in the red zone, where the Bears could’ve scored touchdowns. It was head scratching considering Fields was having his best game as a passer. Instead, they settled for a field goal and had another field goal attempt blocked.
STUD: Young Bears secondary
The Bears secondary has been ravaged by injuries, where they were without three starters against the Packers. Eddie Jackson is on injured reserve while rookies Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon missed their second straight game with concussions. So there were plenty of young players who saw the field against Aaron Rodgers, and they stepped up in a huge way. That included undrafted rookies Jaylon Jones and Josh Blackwell, as well as DeAndre Houston-Carson. It was an inspired performance by them (for most of the game) and something positive to take out of the loss.
DUD: Bears pass rush
The Bears defense has been bad for awhile now, and there isn’t just one issue. But Chicago’s pass rush has been the most frustrating thing. They had a league-worst 16 sacks heading into this game. The Bears failed to get pressure on Rodgers, who had all day to throw and wasn’t sacked once. It’s not a surprise considering they traded their top edge rusher in Robert Quinn. But it’s still no excuse for this defense, especially when an injury-depleted secondary is holding up their end.
STUD: RB David Montgomery
David Montgomery had his best game of the season against the Packers back in Week 2, and with Fields returning the expectation was Chicago was going to lean on him. Montgomery had a solid outing with some nice runs against a porous Green Bay defense. Montgomery had 61 yards on 14 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, and a touchdown.
STUD: WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Equanimeous St. Brown had his best game as a Bear against his former Packers team (with the exception of one play). St. Brown led the Bears with 85 yards on three receptions, including a 56-yard catch. Unfortunately, St. Brown will be remembered for running a bad route on a Fields interception that led to the Packers game-winning touchdown.
STUD: Bears pass protection
Don’t look now, but the Bears offensive line actually did a solid job when it came to protecting Fields against the Packers. There were concerns about Fields returning from a left shoulder injury given his offensive line gave up a league-worst 42 sacks through 12 weeks. But Chicago’s offensive line kept Fields clean all day, where they didn’t allow a single sack. It’s certainly no coincidence that Fields had his best passing game of the season and felt his most comfortable. It was an encouraging outing from an offensive line that’s sure to undergo plenty of change this offseason.
