The Chicago Bears suffered their seventh defeat of the season, losing 31-30 to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Despite the Bears offense turning in one of their best performances, with more than 400 yards of total offense and averaging seven yards per play, it was another close loss for the Bears as their defense could not hold a 24-10 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Justin Fields had another great game with 167 yards passing, 147 yards rushing, and four total touchdowns. However, with a late pick-six to Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah, Detroit tied the game at 24-24.
The Bears scored again on an electric 67-yard rushing touchdown from Fields to take a 30-24 lead, but kicker Cairo Santos missed the extra point, which would come back to hurt Chicago in a one-point loss.
The Bears defense surrendered their third touchdown seven minutes later on a one-yard rush from running back Jamaal Williams. Unlike the Bears, the Lions connected on their extra point to take a 31-30 lead.
Chicago’s pass defense continues to struggle as the Bears have allowed a fourth quarterback to complete more than 70% of their passes. In addition, the defense could not get stops on third down, allowing the Lions to convert 45% of the time, better than their season average of 39%.
Chicago’s defense is one of the worst in recent memory. In a passing league, the Bears cannot stop the pass.
As a result, despite the offense averaging 31 points in their last four games, which would rank first, the Bears have lost three of four because this defense has allowed 32.3 points and has ensured Chicago will have a top-10 draft pick.
Next Sunday, the Bears will travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in Week 11. Since former general manager Ryan Pace has built the Atlanta roster with many former Bears players, there will be many familiar faces.
