Bears Show Glimpses of Promise but Fall to Lions, 34-17
The Chicago Bears displayed moments of offensive brilliance against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field but ultimately couldn’t keep pace, falling 34-17.
Caleb Williams Shines Despite the Loss
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continued to show growth, delivering another turnover-free performance. He completed 26 of 40 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns, extending his streak without an interception since October 13. Williams now boasts 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions on the season, with his passing total reaching 2,937 yards as Week 17 approaches.
Williams leaned heavily on veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen, who turned in a standout game with nine receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Cole Kmet also broke a scoring drought, finding the end zone for the first time since October 13.
Despite these bright spots, Williams acknowledged the challenge posed by Detroit: “We had some good moments, but consistency against a team like that is key. We’ll learn from this.”
Lions’ Offense Overwhelms Chicago
The Bears defense struggled to contain the Lions’ high-powered offense, which racked up 475 total yards. Detroit scored on five of six first-half drives, building a 27-14 halftime lead.
Though Chicago’s defense showed improvement in the second half, limiting Detroit to just one touchdown, the Lions’ creativity shone through. A trick play in the third quarter saw quarterback Jared Goff fake a stumble while running back Jahmyr Gibbs feigned a fumble, only for Goff to connect with Sam LaPorta for a 21-yard touchdown pass.
Bears linebacker Jonathan Owens led the team with eight tackles, while Zacch Pickens notched Chicago’s lone sack. However, defensive lapses early in the game proved costly.
Costly Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Chicago turned the ball over twice in the first half, leading to 10 Detroit points. A botched exchange between Williams and rookie receiver Rome Odunze resulted in a fumble, while Odunze also had the ball stripped on another drive. These miscues allowed the Lions to seize momentum early and build an insurmountable lead.
Looking Ahead
The Bears, now 4-11, will look to rebound as they prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football on December 26. With Williams and the offense showing flashes of potential, Chicago hopes to finish the season on a high note.
Head coach Matt Eberflus emphasized the need to focus on the positives: “We’re seeing progress in key areas, especially from Caleb and the offense. It’s about putting it all together.”
As the Bears aim to close out their season strong, their rookie quarterback continues to provide hope for the future.
