Chicago Bears rally late, fall short 16-13 to Baltimore Ravens

The Chicago Bears fell 16-13 against the Baltimore Ravens. They lost in the remaining minute of regulation after a second-half strike, led by backup quarterback,  Andy Dalton.  

It was fair fall weather in Chicago, with mostly sunny skies. Fans were ecstatic to have the chance to see the Bears get a win (perhaps) after how the Steelers game went. This Chicago team walked into Soldier Field one week removed from the bye, even after a 1-2 holding against the AFC North.

The Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens were decimated by injuries

Inactives were the story for both teams early. All-Pro, MVP QB Lamar Jackson (illness), and Marquise Brown were listed out, but the Ravens got the job done with backup QB Tyler Huntley. The Chicago Bears were without their All-Pro talents, Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson. Pro-Bowlers Allen Robinson and Akiem Hicks were ruled out, too.

Following a 6-0 first half courtesy of Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, a change came for the Chicago offense due to an unforeseen circumstance. Andy Dalton came in following a third-quarter Justin Fields rib injury (did not return). His play was big for Chicago, as he finished with 201 yards passing and two touchdowns.

Their defense was on an early head hunt behind 3.5 sacks from All-Pro OLB Robert Quinn (career-high). Their defense finished with six sacks total, making it as uncomfortable as possible for the Ravens’ backup QB Huntley. Roquan Smith was hounding with 17 tackles total.

Both Darnell Mooney (five catches, 121 yards and one TD) and Marquise Goodwin (four catches, 104 yards and one TD) were found on big plays to put the Bears up twice. It was a good moment while it lasted.

Soldier Field erupted with white Chicago Bears towels, loud stomps, and what had been thought to be a for sure win. That is why the game plays until no more whistles are blown, and the clock hits 0:00 in the 4th.

Justin Fields had some aggressive plays in the first half, opening up the Ravens defense with the read-option with him and RB David Montgomery. The two of them handled the bulk of the rushing attack for the Bears. Montgomery finished with 58 yards on 14 carries, and Fields ended his day in the third with 23 yards on four carries.

Fields went for 4-for-11 for 79 yards in the air before going down. A few drops and miscommunicated plays left a few connections out on the field. A questionable wildcat lineup with David Montgomery on fourth and one early in the fourth quarter left spectators scratching their heads.

The Ravens’ last drive is what sealed the deal following a 49-yard connection from Dalton to Goodwin. A pass interference (21 yards) on Kindle Vildor gave Baltimore some breathing room with 1:33 left on the clock.

Soon after, two completions of 21 and 29 yards set up a three-yard Devonta Freeman touchdown with 25 seconds left. Ravens capped off a 16-13 win on the road with a hard-fought improvement to 7-3. Meanwhile, Chicago falls to their fifth straight loss sitting a polar opposite 3-7 on the season.

Fans did not hesitate to get involved with boos and “Fire Nagy” chants as questionable play-calling, and a losing result ensured. Head Coach Matt Nagy responded to the ones following the Ravens game.

“I just understand that in the end, we all care a lot, and we’re all in this thing together. We want to do everything we can to win, and also that’s our job to do that. I think that everyone is competitive and wants to see the Bears win, and that is exactly what we want,” Nagy said.

The Chicago Bears (3-7) have four days to prepare for the Detroit Lions (0-9-1) on Thanksgiving at Ford Field.