If the game had ended after the first drive, many would be crowning the Chicago Bears Super Bowl contenders.
Unfortunately, it did not, and the rowdy Chicago crowd became more disillusioned as the night wore on. After orchestrating a convincing first drive touchdown and holding a 17-6 lead in the fourth quarter, the Bears were outscored 21-7 the rest of the way and now enter Week 2 looking to get their first win of the season.
The unfortunate part for the Bears is that a very angry Detroit Lions team is standing in their way and has the advantage of playing at home. After being embarrassed by the Green Bay Packers, the Lions need to get in the win column fast as well. With so much at stake in a Week 2 matchup, here is what to watch for when the Bears take on the Lions.
Three Things to Watch For
Caleb Williams or Ben Johnson?
There is absolutely no question that Ben Johnson knows how to call an offense. In the Bears' first drive with Johnson's script, Chicago marched 61 yards in 10 plays, capped off by a Caleb Williams nine-yard touchdown rush. Soldier Field was sent into elation, and the Bears looked like they were a well-oiled machine. Unfortunately, it didn't last for long.
The big issue for the Bears as the game progressed was that Caleb Williams continued to show an inability to be accurate consistently. Multiple missed throws put Chicago in tough spots that even Ben Johnson couldn't scheme themselves out of. In Week 2, it'll be interesting to see if Ben Johnson changes the offense at all to try to give easier throws to Williams. If Caleb continues to struggle, the calls for backup, Tyson Bagent, will only get louder.
Possible Noah Sewell Emergence?
The fifth-round pick out of Oregon was not much of a factor for the Bears in his first two seasons. If Week 1 was any indication though, Sewell has finally found his footing which will only make the Bears that much more dangerous. Sewell racked up nine tackles and was flying all over the field.
Everyone knows what Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards bring to the team, but if Sewell can continue to make plenty of plays, the depth of the Bears defense may turn into a real asset. While T.J. Edwards' being out for Week 1 was a big reason Sewell saw more snaps, it's great to see Sewell show he can be trusted in big spots.
Battle of the Trenches
This game will be decided by which team can control the line of scrimmage. The reason the Lions looked so bad against the Packers is that they couldn't generate a pass rush, and their offensive line looked the worst it's been in years. Even though their offensive line still has some great pieces, they are a shell of their previous selves.
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The Bears should easily be able to dominate the line with their front line and can put the Lions in multiple tough situations. On the offensive side of the ball, their tackles will be tested against star edge Aidan Hutchinson. If their offense can't keep Caleb Williams clean, this game could get ugly very fast.