Bears still in dire need of answers after 0-2 start
Another week with the same disappointing outcome for the Chicago Bears after falling 27-17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. However, this week did feel slightly different for the Bears. Everything they did wrong in Week 1 they seemed to adjust on Sunday, but everything the did right against the Packers they abandoned […]
Another week with the same disappointing outcome for the Chicago Bears after falling 27-17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.
However, this week did feel slightly different for the Bears. Everything they did wrong in Week 1 they seemed to adjust on Sunday, but everything the did right against the Packers they abandoned this week. All in all, more things need to be answered.
Although, despite falling to 0-2 for the first time since 2017, quarterback Justin Fields still isn't discouraged with where his team stands early this season.
"I think we have a long way to go," Fields said after the game. "But I just think if we keep working, we'll get there. And I think everybody has to keep that mindset."
The Bears have played two different styles offenses this season and if they can find a way to blend the two together, some answers should come their way.
In Week 1 against the Packers, Chicago utilized a heavy run game with short passes on offense. Against the Buccaneers, Fields stretched the field more vertically but the team struggled to find space on the ground.
The Buccaneers held the Bears to 67 rushing yards, after totaling 122 the week before. Fields, the Bears' leading rusher in Week 1, was held in check by the Buccaneers defense. His three yards on the ground tied a career low, according to Pro Football Reference.
On the other hand, Fields looked to air the ball out more down the field in Week 2. His 211 passing yards is the sixth-most he's thrown in his career, with 10 of his 29 passes going 10+ yards downfield, per Next Gen Stats. He only had three of such passes in Week 1's loss.
As a result, the Bears answered one question in Week 2 by getting wide receiver DJ Moore more involved in the offense. Moore finished the game with six receptions for 106 yards on seven targets, after only being targeted twice the week before. However, the overall turnovers and the lack of production in the run game is ultimately what hurt the Bears offensively.
On defense, Chicago simply had no answer for Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. Evans finished his busy outing with six receptions for 171 yards and a touchdown against a depleted Bears secondary.
Similar to Week 1, the entire defensive unit struggled to disrupt the opposing quarterback. Baker Mayfield tore through the Bears' defense and seemed unfazed when the Bears dialed up the heat against him.
There's clearly still a lot of improvement needed from the Bears before they can earn their first win of the season. It's still a long road ahead but the Bears have shown flashes that they have what it takes to turn the season around if they can just blend all of the good together in one game.
"I think in this position, at 0-2, you can do one of two things," Fields added. "You can lay down, throw in the towel and just say whatever. But, I don't think anybody in the team is like that. It's my job, it's the coach's job, to keep everybody going."
Featured image via: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
