Caleb Williams and Bears get humbled in loss to Lions

6 days ago 2

As successful as this season has been for the Chicago Bears, they showed their youthfulness and inexperience against the Detroit Lions. Detroit played this game as if it needed it to get into the playoffs, and the Bears were okay with losing. The Bears have a lot to look forward to following this loss, but also a lot to clean up if they want to make their stay in the playoffs a long one.

Here are my takeaways from the Bears' tough loss to the Detroit Lions:

Colston Loveland looks like a top tight end in the league

This was a game where Caleb Williams was only looking to Colston Loveland, and he consistently showed up for him. Loveland had one of his best games as a rookie as he put up 10 catches for 91 yards receiving and a touchdown. He is continuing to grow as a player, and he doesn't just look like one of the best rookie tight ends in the NFL; he looks like one of the best tight ends in the league. Loveland, at 21 years old and one of the youngest players in the league, led the Bears in receiving yards with 713 yards and posted 6 touchdowns as a rookie. The sky is the limit for him and how good he can be.

Caleb Williams still has magic in the 4th quarter

No matter how bad it looks for three quarters, there is just something that Caleb Williams is able to channel in the 4th quarter to get the Bears back in the game. That is something that can't be overstated, that just feels like his superpower. Two passing touchdowns in the 4th quarter, and once again, it felt Caleb could do no wrong in the 4th. It seems like the Bears follow the lead of Caleb and elevate their play along with their quarterback. From the Bears' weapons all the way to the Bears' defense. The Bears obviously are going to have close games if they lose, but boy, it's fun to watch a team that has a quarterback who levels up in the 4th quarter. There is no lead that feels safe when Caleb Williams is on the other side.

Jahdae Walker is another young key contributor

It is easy to get caught up in the amazing rookies Colston Loveland, Kyle Monangai, and Luther Burden. Jahdae Walker is a rookie who should not be overlooked. In the absence of Rome Odunze, Walker has stepped up big time week after week. Walker has had 2 touchdowns in his 3 games of seeing snaps. One of which was the touchdown to set the game to overtime, in his first start. After that, Walker continued to come up with a big play each game. Against the Lions, Walker came up with a big momentum swing touchdown. Walker continues to join the list of very impressive rookies on this team. He could very well earn himself more snaps for next season. The connection he has with his former roommate, Caleb Williams, is very underrated.

The Bears' defense is always good for one takeaway

You can always bet on this Bears defense to get a much-needed takeaway. Unfortunately, in this game, it did not lead to the Bears getting the lead to win versus the Lions, but it was a timely play that Kevin Byard made to give the Bears' offense a shot. As bad as the Bears' defense has been at times, they have consistently gotten turnovers. That will bode very well for the playoffs, especially in Chicago's cold.

Maybe Tyrique Stevenson should get his chance again

Nahshon Wright has won over the Bears' coaching staff with his great ability to force takeaways. His play this season has put Tyrique Stevenson in the backseat. While Wright is great at getting turnovers, he is also susceptible to getting beaten, and when he does not get turnovers, he really gets exposed. Against the Lions, both he and Jaylon Johnson could not run with any of the Lions' receivers. Even Kalif Raymond had 52 yards receiving. With games like this, it makes you wonder why Stevenson is not out there at all. If the other guys won the job over him, cool, but at least mix him in the rotation to keep the other guys fresh. The Bears will not be in the playoffs long if they continue getting toasted as they did versus the Lions. It is time to give Stevenson another shot.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Chicago Bears have much to learn after loss to Detroit Lions

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