Introduction to the Game
GREEN BAY, Wis. — What marks do the Bears get after their 28-21 loss against the Packers at Lambeau Field?
Quarterback Performance
QUARTERBACK — C
By the time the Packers connected on the game’s first touchdown, one QB had 10 completions for 106 yards, and the other had one completion for two yards. By halftime, Caleb Williams was still stuck at 32 yards with a 50.3 passer rating. Enough with the slow starts already. So much went better in the second half — a 26-yard drop in the bucket to Cole Kmet, a dart on the run to Olamide Zaccheaus for a TD, a seed to Luther Burden III, an eye-popper to Devin Duvernay on the final drive that fell just short. But Williams was way late throwing to an open Kmet in the end zone on the game’s climactic play, and maybe that mistake wouldn’t have been so deadly had No. 18 gotten going sooner.
Offensive Line Performance
OFFENSIVE LINE — B
When the Bears needed them, these guys went into cement-truck mode, opening hole after hole on a 17-play, 83-yard, 8:32 drive that tied the game 21-21 in the fourth quarter. Between them, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai carried eight times for 53 yards on the drive. Things weren’t perfect in pass protection — are they ever? — but Williams was sacked only once, and not at all by superstar Micah Parsons.
Defensive Line Performance
DEFENSIVE LINE — D
A 14-yard sack by Montez Sweat set up a third-down interception by nickel corner C.J. Gardner-Johnson on the Packers’ first possession, and that’s pretty much the list of highlights out of the D-line right there. Sweat and Gervon Dexter both whiffed on a 21-yard fourth-quarter run by Josh Jacobs that should have gone for no gain. Austin Booker lined up offside at the Bears’ 4-yard line, leading to a short touchdown run by Jacobs that held up as the game winner.
Secondary Performance
SECONDARY — D
Gardner-Johnson’s pick was a heck of a nice way to start. Alas, for him, then came the rest of the game. He looked slow trying to run with Christian Watson on a 41-yard touchdown that put the Packers in front 21-11. After the Bears tied the game in the fourth quarter, Gardner-Johnson was beaten in coverage and whiffed on a tackle on back-to-back downs. Kevin Byard III lost Watson on a touchdown, too, and Jaquan Brisker wasn’t in the same area code as Bo Melton on Melton’s TD catch at the end of the first half.
Special Teams Performance
SPECIAL TEAMS — C
The kickoff team had a bad one, giving up 28.3 yards per Packers return and — worse than that — putting the Packers at their 40-yard line to begin their last drive of the first half, which ended in a touchdown to put the Bears down 11 points at the break. That’s what happens when Cairo Santos tees up and boots it short of the landing zone. It shouldn’t be that hard.
Coaches’ Performance
COACHES — B
It was a tough first half for Ben Johnson, who watched his offensive plan amount to next to nothing. But coming back to tie it and then reaching the red zone with a chance to force overtime says something really good about this team and the way it carries itself. Johnson’s Bears continue to look different — in a good way.
Williams finished 19-for-35 for 186 yards, two touchdowns and the late interception.
Conclusion
The Bears’ performance against the Packers was a mixed bag, with some units performing well and others struggling. The team’s ability to come back and tie the game in the fourth quarter was a positive sign, but ultimately, they fell short. The Bears will look to build on their strengths and improve their weaknesses as they move forward in the season.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Packers won 28-21.
Q: How did the Bears’ quarterback perform?
A: Caleb Williams finished 19-for-35 for 186 yards, two touchdowns, and the late interception.
Q: What was the highlight of the Bears’ defensive line performance?
A: A 14-yard sack by Montez Sweat set up a third-down interception by nickel corner C.J. Gardner-Johnson on the Packers’ first possession.
Q: How did the Bears’ special teams perform?
A: The kickoff team had a bad game, giving up 28.3 yards per Packers return and putting the Packers at their 40-yard line to begin their last drive of the first half.
