Instant Reactions: Caleb Williams' strong day not enough for Bears against Lions

The good news? Caleb Williams surpassed 300 yards passing for the fourth time in his rookie season, including a beautiful strike to Keenan Allen down the right sideline for a 45-yard touchdown. In stride, on the money – dot.

Williams finished the day 26/40 for 333 yards with two touchdowns. The No. 1 overall pick was also the team’s leading rusher with 34 yards.

The bad news? Just about everything else. Rome Odunze fumbled after picking up a first down. Williams fumbled an exchange to Odunze in the backfield, too. On a reverse pitch, DJ Moore put the ball on the ground but was able to recover.

The Bears found themselves in an early 20-point hole after starting the game with two punts and two turnovers on the first four possessions. Meanwhile, Detroit scored two touchdowns and picked up two field goals on their first four.

In the Bears’ third game since firing Matt Eberflus, Eric Washington’s defense allowed 30+ for the third time. The defense allowed 38 to the 49ers and 30 to the Vikings before allowing 34 today.

Two weeks left in the season for Chicago before the coaching search ramps up. Bears lose, 34-17.

Adam Hoge

Just hire Ben Johnson right now. The Lions were basically playing with their food in the second half, complete with a fake trip/fumble play-action bomb. Fortunately, there were enough good moments from Caleb Williams to feel a little bit better about the future. As for Thomas Brown, his decisions to kick a field goal down 20 and punt down 17 were bizarre.

Patrick Norton

Caleb Williams began the game with Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins defending his blindside. By halftime, it was Jake Curhan and Larry Borom. Jenkins re-aggravated a calf injury he had been dealing with early in the first quarter and Jones was carted off with an apparent ankle injury requiring an aircast.

Given the circumstances, Williams appeared more confident in the pocket and his strike to Keenan Allen in the second quarter might be his best throw in a Bears uniform. Now, get this guy Ben Johnson (and Ben Johnson’s offensive line) and let’s have a fun 2025.

Mark Carman

The Bears did not come ready to play. The Bears did not execute well. The Bears went backwards when it mattered. The Bears were undisciplined piling up penalty yards. Ben Johnson’s offense showed creativity. Lots of it. Hire Ben Johnson. Please.

Kevin Kaduk

In the history of Chicago Bears football games, this was one of them. The result was not surprising given that the Lions are a bona fide Super Bowl contender. Hopefully Kevin Warren and the McCaskey family were taking plenty of notes.