Where It Starts, Where It Ends: State of the Bears
A Season of Frustration and Doubt
The Chicago Bears' 2024 season has been defined by frustration and uncertainty. Over the last four weeks, the team has suffered one crushing loss after another, leaving fans and analysts questioning the direction of the franchise.
Week 11: A Chance for Redemption
In their divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers, the Bears sought to rewrite their narrative. With Thomas Brown stepping in as offensive coordinator after Shane Waldron's dismissal, the offense showed flashes of improvement. They dominated time of possession, executed 68 plays to Green Bay’s 43, converted 56% of third downs, and were perfect on fourth downs.
The Bears ended a 25-drive touchdown drought with a second-quarter rush from running back Roschon Johnson. However, despite these bright moments, the Bears’ self-inflicted wounds once again proved costly.
Late-Game Drama and Heartbreak
With under a minute left, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams demonstrated poise under pressure. Despite being sacked twice, he delivered clutch throws to fellow rookie Rome Odunze, setting up a potential game-winning field goal.
Veteran kicker Cairo Santos, who had surpassed 1,000 career points earlier in the game, lined up for a 40-yard field goal to break the Bears’ three-game losing streak. Santos, flawless from this range all season, seemed destined to seal the victory.
But in a devastating turn, the kick was blocked. Green Bay celebrated their 11th consecutive win over Chicago, leaving Bears fans stunned and demoralized.
Eberflus Explains the Call
Head Coach Matt Eberflus defended the decision not to run another play before the field goal attempt:
“They were loading the box there. You could do that, maybe gain a couple more yards, but you risk fumbling. I felt very confident where we were with the wind and the field position.”
Bright Spots in a Cloudy Offense
Rookie QB Caleb Williams continues to show flashes of brilliance despite challenges, including adjusting to his second offensive coordinator this season. While he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since the London game against the Jaguars, Williams’ connection with DJ Moore—who tallied seven catches for 62 yards—was a positive takeaway.
Running back D’Andre Swift remains the offense’s most consistent playmaker, helping Chicago establish a more balanced rhythm with quicker pass plays and reduced reliance on "hero ball" tactics.
Defensive Resilience Amid the Struggles
The Bears’ defense has been a silver lining, ranked second in total touchdowns allowed and leading the league in red zone defense. They’ve excelled on third downs, holding opponents to a league-best 32.8% conversion rate.
Looking Ahead: Bears vs. Vikings
As the Bears prepare to host the Minnesota Vikings, they face another division rival with a strong defense. The Vikings rank second in blitz rate, posing a significant challenge for Chicago’s offense, which has struggled to handle pressure. Offensive Coordinator Thomas Brown will need to adjust, particularly in how the team spreads the ball.
Searching for a Turning Point
The Bears' upcoming game represents another opportunity to climb out of their slump. While the defense continues to shine, the offense must find consistency to complement their efforts. Whether Chicago can finally deliver a complete game remains to be seen, but fans and analysts alike are waiting for answers to the lingering question: Where does it end?
