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The cardiac Chicago Bears tried their same strategy once again, but in the final game of the season against the Detroit Lions, it did not work. The Bears, in yet another game, took way too long to get started. The Lions were the better team down the stretch. It seemed the Bears weren't desperate to win this game. The Lions played harder, even though they had nothing on the line.
No rhythm
The Bears' offense lacked rhythm to start this game, while it was Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions' offense that came out hot. Amon-Ra St. Brown had no issue generating success on the Bears' defensive secondary as he had 9 catches for 110 yards just in the first half alone. Just about every big playmaker for the Detroit Lions successfully had a big day versus the Bears. Jared Goff led the charge with 331 yards through the air, dicing the Bears' defense all game long. His weapons, St. Brown had 139 yards, and the play which set up the game-winning field goal. Jameson Williams had 74 yards receiving, and Jahmyr Gibbs had 80 yards on the ground.
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Defense hung tough
As dominant as the Detroit Lions seemed to be, the Bears still only gave up 19 points on most days that would be good enough for the Bears to win. Does not stop the underlying concern that this Bears defense will cost the Bears in the playoffs, but it is still a bright spot to look at. The Bears' red-zone defense could be a factor in helping the Bears win next weekend versus the Packers.
Offense stumbled
The Bears' offense kept kicking themselves in the foot with many mistakes in the first half. Caleb and the offense showed life late in the 3rd quarter and 4th quarter to make this a football game. Caleb was at his best and was once again that clutch player, finding each of the Bears' big playmakers for big plays. Colston Loveland was the Bears' most clutch weapon in this game, continuously showing up for Caleb every time he targeted him. Jadhae Walker also proved to be a guy who can make at least one big play a game. The run game got going as well late in this game, and the offense got back to its rhythm fully.
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Another late-game push
As bad as this game was, the Bears still showed they are the team they have been all season long late in this game, which should be one positive takeaway from this poor finish to the season. You can not win every single game in the second half after you have the poorest first half imaginable. That will not work against good football teams, and the Detroit Lions proved that to be true.
Learning matters most
As long as the Bears are learning these lessons and taking their blows before the playoffs and not in the playoffs, there is still reason for hope. Caleb Williams did not achieve the long-lasting goal of throwing for 4k; however, he did become the single-season passing record holder for the Bears and led the Bears to the second and NFC North division title. This season may have come to a poor end, but the season is not over, even if the higher expectations changed how many wanted it to end. The Bears did finish the year getting swept by the Lions, but they still remain the NFC North team with the best chance at success in the playoffs.
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Green Bay Packers are next
For the second time in franchise history, the Bears will take on the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. This will be a great game to dictate what the future of this team will be. WIll this team resort to being owned by the Packers like previous years, or does Ben Johnson really like beating Matt Lafleur twice a year.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Caleb Williams and Bears get second seed in NFC, will host Packers
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