As Caleb Williams Gains Experience, Bears Must Find Meaning in Final 3 Games of Dismal 2024 Season

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Bears continue to get the same result regardless of how they approach the assignment.

Quarterback Caleb Williams looked physically and mentally beaten at the end of Monday night’s 30-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the eighth straight Bears defeat.

Now, with three games left, no chance for the playoffs, and the coaching staff undecided for next season, it becomes a matter of players finding meaning individually in the final three games, while Williams gains more experience as an NFL passer.

What’s Working

The running game has surfaced. The Bears had gone over 78 yards rushing as a team only once in their previous six games, but on Monday night they hit 113 yards. Running back D’Andre Swift had 79 yards on 19 carries, his most yardage since the Oct. 27 loss at Washington.

What Needs Help

The Bears defense. They gave up 30 and 38 points the past two games since the firing of former coach Matt Eberflus. Eric Washington took over defensive play-calling duties after Eberflus’ firing.

The Bears have given up more yards (1,638) and points (121) over their past four games than any other NFL team.

Stock Up

Wide receiver Keenan Allen. He had six catches for 82 yards and the Bears’ only touchdown Monday. Allen has four touchdown catches in the past four games and now leads the Bears in TD receptions with six. The 82-yard game was his second-most with the Bears. His season high of 86 yards also came against the Vikings, at Soldier Field in Week 12.

Stock Down

Rookie tackle Kiran Amegadjie, a third-round pick this year out of Yale, made his first career start at left tackle after finding out on Sunday he would need to play because of concussion symptoms being reported by starting left tackle Braxton Jones. Amegadjie committed four penalties, including two for holding, and gave up a sack to Jonathan Greenard.

Injuries

There were no new injuries, but Jones’ concussion coming so late in the week of practice was a difficult one to get past. The Bears have starting safety Jaquan Brisker, backup guard Ryan Bates and backup running back Roschon Johnson in concussion protocol, as well.

Key Number

10 — After Tyrique Stevenson’s interception of Sam Darnold, the Bears have taken the ball away 10 more times (21) than they’ve given it up — but they’re still 4-10.

Up Next

The Bears host the NFC North rival Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Conclusion
The Chicago Bears are at a crossroads, having lost eight straight games and with no chance of making the playoffs. As the team looks to find a way to end their losing streak, it’s crucial for players to find meaning in the final three games. Quarterback Caleb Williams, who has shown flashes of brilliance, will continue to gain experience and develop as an NFL passer. The team’s running game has shown some promise, and wide receiver Keenan Allen has been a bright spot. However, the defense needs to find a way to improve, and the team’s chances of success are slim.

FAQs

• What is the current standing of the Chicago Bears?
  The Chicago Bears are 4-10 with three games left in the season.
• Who is the current quarterback of the Chicago Bears?
  Caleb Williams is the current quarterback of the Chicago Bears.
• What is the team’s focus for the final three games?
  The team’s focus is on finding a way to end their losing streak and gain individual experience, while also developing as a team.