5 thoughts after Bears' ugly win over Raiders and entering much-needed bye week

The Chicago Bears had to claw their way to a 25-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. It was a win defined by desperation, defensive grit, and one unforgettable special teams play. The Bears are now 2-2 and enter the bye week, which is very weird. So, where do the Bears stand right now? Here are my five thoughts entering the bye week.

1. What an ugly win

After an impressive win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Bears regressed to their Week 2 form on Sunday. And once again, the defense was a major letdown. Last week, I wrote how the run defense was still poor and the tackling was atrocious despite the win against the Cowboys last Sunday. This is what I wrote about the upcoming matchup against the Raiders:

"The run defense was subpar as they gave up 120 yards. It is the third straight game they have given up 100+ rushing yards. To make matters worse, tackling was atrocious. And now, they face rookie running back Ashton Jeanty this week.

So far, has has only 144 rushing yards through three games. It would be ironic that a player many Bears fans wanted in the draft has a breakout game against the Bears. Jeanty is not afraid of contact, so the Bears' defenders must improve their tackling."

Jeanty had a breakout performance, gaining 138 rushing yards, most of which came from a 64-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, while catching two passes for 17 yards, both of which were also touchdowns. It seems like the Bears' defenders kept taking a bad angle when trying to tackle Jeanty all day.

Meanwhile, the offense failed to capitalize on the two Raiders' turnovers in their first two possessions. The offense committed ill-timed penalties (eight penalties for 60 yards), and Caleb Williams was harassed by the Raiders' defense, led by Maxx Crosby, which stalled their momentum throughout the game. And once again, the Bears had a hard time establishing the run, gaining only 69 yards versus the 240 yards given up by the defense.

Still, Williams led an 11-play, 69-yard drive, ending with D'Andre Swift's two-yard touchdown run to give them the 25-24 lead. He led the Bears to a second comeback win on the road, his first since beating Green Bay in January. This was another breakout performance by Williams, where he displayed poise and resilience throughout the game.

Yes, it was an ugly game. But a win is a win, and no one should be apologizing. This is a victory that helps build character, which not only benefits Williams but also the entire team long term.

2. Tyrique Stevenson is having a nice bounce back after the Lions debacle

After a disastrous game against the Detroit Lions two weeks ago, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been outstanding the last two weeks.

Last week against the Cowboys, Stevenson made a game-changing play when he stripped the ball out of Cowboys running back Javonte Williams after he gained 22 yards and recovered the ball in bounds on their first possession. Against the Raiders, Stevenson recovered a fumble after the Raiders failed to convert on fourth and one on the second possession and picked off Raiders quarterback Geno Smith on the opening drive of the third quarter.

Stevenson's improved performance could not have come at a better time, as Jaylon Johnson is out for the foreseeable future after re-aggravating his groin injury, and Kyler Gordon has yet to play this season with an injury of his own.

After the bye, the Bears head to Washington to play the Commanders on Monday Night Football. It is the sight of the Hail Mary pass that Stevenson was a culprit, and destroyed the 2024 season. It is an excellent opportunity for Stevenson to show his maturity and growth from that game.

3. Should the Bears make a trade at the deadline?

Looking at the game yesterday, one could not help wonder how the Raiders have two players at a position the Bears need the most: Ashton Jeanty and Maxx Crosby.

Crosby, in particular, was a massive headache all day. After the Raiders committed their second turnover, Crosby tipped a pass and had his first career interception, which changed the momentum of the ball game. His performance drew raves from Williams post-game, calling Crosby the best player he's faced against.

So, should the Bears consider making a trade at the deadline, which is on November 4? The early trade candidates you will likely hear are running back Breece Hall of the New York Jets, defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants, and Jeffrey Simmons of the Tennessee Titans. There will be more players who could become available as the deadline nears.

In my opinion, the Bears should not give up trade draft capital to acquire someone this season. One, the team is still in an evaluation period, and they are not a player or two away from becoming a true Super Bowl contender.

Two, the frustration towards the job general manager Ryan Poles has done in his tenure is at an all-time high. Most of the players, who will be dealt, will be a free-agent after the season. Can the Bears afford to make another trade like they did with Montez Sweat two years ago, who was also extended to avoid him from hitting free-agency?

Instead of trading for someone, the Bears are probably more likely trade one of their own as Ben Johnson continues to evaluate his roster. While the fans can day dream about Hall or Thibodeaux in a Bears uniform, they are more likely to be disappointed.

4. What is the starting offensive line after the bye?

Right tackle Darnell Wright missed the Raiders game after suffering an elbow injury during practice. Canadian Theo Benedet started in his place, and Maxx Crosby took full advantage. The Bears decided to make a change in the middle of the first half by moving Benedet to the left tackle, replacing Braxton Jones, and putting in second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo at right tackle.

The move helped slow down Crosby in the second half, but now, the Bears will have to find the best starting offensive line combination moving forward. While Trapilo's performance was very encouraging, it raises a question about why it took them so long to activate him.

Will Wright go back to being their right tackle when he returns from his injury? Did Jones lose his job, and if so, who is their starting left tackle now? Johnson has a tough decision to make during the bye week.

5. Top 5 players who might be gone after this season

As the Bears use this season to evaluate their roster, a few players are starting to emerge as candidates who may be playing their last season with the Bears.

Tight end Cole Kmet may have emerged as a trade/cut candidate after arguably having his worst pro performance on Sunday. With rookie Colston Loveland not playing due to an injury, Kmet was expected to be productive. Instead, he dropped a critical pass that should have been a first down and goal, which they had to punt, and committed three false starts, including the one that occurred on 4th and 1, which also resulted in a punt. It was a rough game for Kmet.

So who are my top 5 players, who are on the hot seat?

After the defense went without a sack for the second time in three weeks, Sweat is at the top of the list. If his production does not pick up, the Bears will have no choice but to release him and draft a pass rusher in the next draft.

Braxton Jones is behind Sweat, followed by Kmet and Swift. The offense is Johnson's bread and butter, and he will need better players who are more productive in 2026. If Jones is not in the starting lineup after the bye, then Jones is done with the Bears. Swift is on borrowed time and has already been traded, despite spending time with the Lions in 2022.

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And even with the two interceptions against the Cowboys, Edmunds had a tough time containing Jeanty on Sunday, and he probably makes too much money to be kept around beyond this season.