Instant analysis of Bears’ 24-14 loss to Packers
The Chicago Bears were riding some momentum heading into a divisional showdown against the Green Bay Packers. And yet, this game went exactly as most Bears-Packers games have over the last decade.
The Bears saw a valiant early effort from their defense and another disappointing outing from their offense in a 24-14 loss to the Packers, which dropped Chicago to 3-3 on the season. Perhaps the most frustrating part was how the Packers didn’t appear to play their best — and they still won.
Chicago’s defense set the tone early against Green Bay with pressure on quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a pair of sacks from edge rushers Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. The Bears offense jelled on their first possession, and Chicago was sitting comfortably with a 7-0 lead. But that was never going to be enough to beat the Packers.
The Bears offense continues to be a problem, and they’re simply not going to win games — especially against Rodgers — when they score 14 points. While Justin Fields showed some signs of progress in his development, there were plenty of rookie growing pains in this game. Granted, he wasn’t helped by his offensive line or his coaches.
If there was a bright spot on offense it was rookie running back Khalil Herbert, who had 19 carries for 97 yards and a touchdown. With David Montgomery on injured reserve with a knee sprain and Damien Williams on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Herbert was the workhorse back for Chicago. And he was pretty darn good in his second action specifically at running back.
The Bears are now 3-20 against the Packers dating back to 2011, and it’s still very much a one-sided rivalry. Until Chicago’s offense can do their part, it’ll be hard to beat Green Bay…or most NFL teams.
