Chicago Bears: Week 1 Offensive, Defensive, and Rookie MVPs

The Chicago Bears fell short 34-14 to the Los Angeles Rams to open the 2021 season. Despite the tough loss, the team still had several noteworthy performers on offense, defense, and special teams.

The Chicago Bears played in front of a full capacity stadium for the first time in almost two years against the Los Angeles Rams. Not only were the Bears playing in front of the first-ever crowd in SoFi Stadium, but they were also playing on the big stage of Sunday Night Football on NBC.

There are few teams that have as much experience going up against Matthew Stafford as the Bears. After spending over a decade in Detroit, Stafford was shipped to the Rams for a package including multiple first-round picks, and former first overall pick Jared Goff. Chicago got the first taste of what Stafford would look like inside Sean McVay’s offense.

The game got off to be a rough start for the Chicago Bears

After throwing a red zone interception on their first offensive possession, the Bears gave up a 67-yard touchdown pass to Van Jefferson. The Rams continued to capitalize on the Bears’ mistakes, turning Chicago’s failed fourth-down conversions into an early 13-0 lead. The Bears were able to put together a 55-yard touchdown drive to close the first half, capped off by a David Montgomery three-yard touchdown run. Chicago trailed 13-7 going into the second half.

After another blown coverage that resulted in a 56-yard touchdown to Cooper Kupp, the Bears’ offense went back to work, and to the surprise of many, Andy Dalton and company looked pretty good. Chicago drove down the field on a 16 play, 81-yard drive that took up nearly 10 minutes of game time.

Rookie quarterback Justin Fields was subbed in the red zone and scored his first career touchdown on a three-yard run. This would be the Bears last push, as the Rams would score a touchdown the following drive and would go on to win 34-14