Week 2: Bears @ Lions Sunday at noon on FOX

[We Got The Whole 9]

24 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

At this point I'd take winning a quarter or maybe, even a half of a quarter.

They have 3 of those already fwiw. There will be more just by the nature of the sport. But we need our defensive leaders to be on the field to have any sort of shot.

[CubinNY]

The Bears have a legitimate shot to win the next two games - the Cowboys and the Raiders. Then it looks pretty rough the rest of the way. They play the Steelers on November 23rd, and could win that game. 

Realistically, they have a shot at a number 1 pick unless things change drastically. 

They could be playing the Browns on Dec. 14th to see who wins the first pick. 

Edited September 15, 2025 by CubinNY

[gflore34]

In looking, I guess, NFL teams do not or, are not allowed to practice today.  Appears first practice is Wednesday maybe, that's for the best, I can't think Ben Johnson has cooled off and still isn't raging.  At the very least, come Wednesday, start as early as permitted and I would grind their asses until they get the huddle, break and play off perfectly.  No more pre-snap penalties, I would hold Caleb responsible, next one, they'll be grinding again.  

Edited September 15, 2025 by gflore34

[We Got The Whole 9]

23 minutes ago, CubinNY said:

The Bears have a legitimate shot to win the next two games - the Cowboys and the Raiders. Then it looks pretty rough the rest of the way. They play the Steelers on November 23rd, and could win that game. 

Realistically, they have a shot at a number 1 pick unless things change drastically. 

They could be playing the Browns on Dec. 14th to see who wins the first pick. 

Without JJ and TJ we will get smacked silly, even against DAL and OAK. They desperately need those guys. 

[gflore34]

If, and, given the Bears injury history, this is a mountainous if, they can keep the OL together I think it'll drastically improve over what we've seen.  Even last season, there was a point the OL was starting to come together then everyone got hurt.  Look at Vikings last night, lost two OL and McCarthy was pressured and sacked, I think, six times by Falcons team not known for pressuring the QB.  Even the Bears would have been able to generate pressure under such circumstances. I know the tendency is condemn everything as hopeless, still, there will be improvements.

[UMFan83]

12 hours ago, minnesotacubsfan said:

Hes a Michigan grad, don’t be so sure

 

besides, my point remains. You have a young qb, you don’t draft projects top 10, or hurt players, you draft consensus immediate impact players

 

 

Why is Warren the consensus immediate impact player?  Loveland had 3 years of production at Michigan vs 1 for Warren.  His shoulder injury kept him out of OTAs but he participated in all of training camp and was on the field with the 1's during practices and both preseason games they played in.  He left when the 1's left in those games.  It doesn't seem like the injury did not set him back a ton when it came to preparing for the season based on usage.

I know you hate Michigan and all that but perhaps wait more than 2 games before using your confirmation bias to proclaim definitively how stupid the pick was. The entire offense is a work in progress and Caleb has historically not been great at throwing to TEs.  Kmet had his lowest production since his rookie year last year and had 5 total targets his last 5 games of 2024 despite playing 93% of the snaps.  His leading TEs at USC caught 26 passes and 10 passes in 2023 and 2022 (vs. 54 for Loveland last year in 10 games).  I highly doubt Warren has 11 catches for 155 yards in his first 2 games if he was drafted by the Bears.

[UMFan83]

41 minutes ago, CubinNY said:

The Bears have a legitimate shot to win the next two games - the Cowboys and the Raiders. Then it looks pretty rough the rest of the way. They play the Steelers on November 23rd, and could win that game. 

Realistically, they have a shot at a number 1 pick unless things change drastically. 

They could be playing the Browns on Dec. 14th to see who wins the first pick. 

They have the Saints too which seems winnable.   It's really the road games that are the gauntlet.  Washington, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Green Bay, San Francisco.

The Vikings might end up being bad but going back to last season, we've played almost a relentless gauntlet of teams.

11-6 Packers

14-3 Vikings

15-2 Lions

6-10 49ers

14-3 Vikings

15-2 Lions

10-7 Seahawks

11-6 Packers

Then Vikings and Lions this year....too early to tell how good they are, the Vikings might be ass but still very similar to the team that went 14-3 outside of QB.  Lions similar squad outside of their coordinators.

Edited September 15, 2025 by UMFan83

[gflore34]

7 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

Why is Warren the consensus immediate impact player?  Loveland had 3 years of production at Michigan vs 1 for Warren.  His shoulder injury kept him out of OTAs but he participated in all of training camp and was on the field with the 1's during practices and both preseason games they played in.  He left when the 1's left in those games.  It doesn't seem like the injury did not set him back a ton when it came to preparing for the season based on usage.

I know you hate Michigan and all that but perhaps wait more than 2 games before using your confirmation bias to proclaim definitively how stupid the pick was. The entire offense is a work in progress and Caleb has historically not been great at throwing to TEs.  Kmet had his lowest production since his rookie year last year and had 5 total targets his last 5 games of 2024 despite playing 93% of the snaps.  His leading TEs at USC caught 26 passes and 10 passes in 2023 and 2022 (vs. 54 for Loveland last year in 10 games).  I highly doubt Warren has 11 catches for 155 yards in his first 2 games if he was drafted by the Bears.

Well, you know it's the Bears so Loveland forgot to play football.  Which I'm certain would have happened to Warren if he were drafted by the Bears.  I agree the numbers don't back it up, Warren had one big year compared to 3 years of production by Loveland.  Not to mention last year season he had arguably one of the worst QB rooms in Michigan history and was not a focal point of the Michigan offense.  And, when Michigan did throw the ball everyone knew he was target, yet, he still put up some good numbers.

Edited September 15, 2025 by gflore34

[We Got The Whole 9]

18 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

Why is Warren the consensus immediate impact player?  Loveland had 3 years of production at Michigan vs 1 for Warren.  His shoulder injury kept him out of OTAs but he participated in all of training camp and was on the field with the 1's during practices and both preseason games they played in.  He left when the 1's left in those games.  It doesn't seem like the injury did not set him back a ton when it came to preparing for the season based on usage.

I know you hate Michigan and all that but perhaps wait more than 2 games before using your confirmation bias to proclaim definitively how stupid the pick was. The entire offense is a work in progress and Caleb has historically not been great at throwing to TEs.  Kmet had his lowest production since his rookie year last year and had 5 total targets his last 5 games of 2024 despite playing 93% of the snaps.  His leading TEs at USC caught 26 passes and 10 passes in 2023 and 2022 (vs. 54 for Loveland last year in 10 games).  I highly doubt Warren has 11 catches for 155 yards in his first 2 games if he was drafted by the Bears.

Sure sounds like he will be utilized here well...

[gflore34]

6 minutes ago, We Got The Whole 9 said:

Sure sounds like he will be utilized here well...

Just a question: Is it possible the offense will improve along with better utilization of the TE's?  Or, another question, because it hasn't happened instantaneously, is Loveland is a complete bust? 

 I know we're Bears' fans and have waited long enough but, you have to know nothing good is going to come immediately.  In fact I'm certain it's going to be at least 6-7 more weeks, maybe even longer, before we see some consistent good offense.

 

Edited September 15, 2025 by gflore34

[UMFan83]

I forgot how annoying Detroit sports fans were.  My newish manager who is an obsessive Lions fans pings the team first thing today saying "Happy Monday Bears fans, Bear down! I bet Ben Johnson called Dan Campbell last night crying 'ive made a huge mistake, please take me back' "

So close to being triggered lol

 

[Brian707]

How did the defense get so bad so quick? Its the same personnel as we had last year. I know injuries happened but this is the same defense that gave up 29 at most(AZ) last year. Is it Dennis Allen?

Anyway before yesterday the Bears were 2 point favorites vs Dallas now they are 1 point dogs. If they can get to the bye at 2-2 that would be good but a lot to ask.  Going into the season I thought a 0-2 start was likely. Just not the way it played out, giving up an 11 point 4th quarter lead and getting mauled for a 52 burger by the Lions.

Caleb played better and Swift looked decent, minus the fumble.

[Wilson A2000]

1 hour ago, CubinNY said:

The Bears have a legitimate shot to win the next two games - the Cowboys and the Raiders. Then it looks pretty rough the rest of the way. They play the Steelers on November 23rd, and could win that game. 

Realistically, they have a shot at a number 1 pick unless things change drastically. 

They could be playing the Browns on Dec. 14th to see who wins the first pick. 

The next two games are not easy either

[Wilson A2000]

3 minutes ago, Brian707 said:

How did the defense get so bad so quick? Its the same personnel as we had last year. I know injuries happened but this is the same defense that gave up 29 at most(AZ) last year. Is it Dennis Allen?

Anyway before yesterday the Bears were 2 point favorites vs Dallas now they are 1 point dogs. If they can get to the bye at 2-2 that would be good but a lot to ask.  Going into the season I thought a 0-2 start was likely. Just not the way it played out, giving up an 11 point 4th quarter lead and getting mauled for a 52 burger by the Lions.

Caleb played better and Swift looked decent, minus the fumble.

Down your 3 best starters will do it on a defense that was average at best to begin with

[mul21]

3 minutes ago, Brian707 said:

How did the defense get so bad so quick? Its the same personnel as we had last year. I know injuries happened but this is the same defense that gave up 29 at most(AZ) last year. Is it Dennis Allen?

Anyway before yesterday the Bears were 2 point favorites vs Dallas now they are 1 point dogs. If they can get to the bye at 2-2 that would be good but a lot to ask.  Going into the season I thought a 0-2 start was likely. Just not the way it played out, giving up an 11 point 4th quarter lead and getting mauled for a 52 burger by the Lions.

Caleb played better and Swift looked decent, minus the fumble.

I think the injuries are problematic, Eberflus is probably a better defensive coordinator than he gets credit for, and holy horsefeathers where is the pass rush?  You just can't let any QB, let alone one with weapons like the Lions have, sit back there all day and pick you apart.

[Tryptamine]

On the plus side of things, for QBs in their first two years

By QBR

Those ahead of Caleb

#15) Michael Penix - 62.6

#16) Drake maye- 60.3

 

#17) Caleb Williams - 57.7

 

Those behind Caleb

#18) Spencer Rattler - 57.6

#26) Bo Nix - 43.6

#28) Jayden Daniels- 39.1

#32) J.J McCarthy - 20.4

#33) Cam Ward - 19.9

 

Other notables

#27) Justin Fields - 41.7

#30) Bryce Young - 36.4

 

 

[gflore34]

2 minutes ago, Brian707 said:

How did the defense get so bad so quick? Its the same personnel as we had last year. I know injuries happened but this is the same defense that gave up 29 at most(AZ) last year. Is it Dennis Allen?

Anyway before yesterday the Bears were 2 point favorites vs Dallas now they are 1 point dogs. If they can get to the bye at 2-2 that would be good but a lot to ask.  Going into the season I thought a 0-2 start was likely. Just not the way it played out, giving up an 11 point 4th quarter lead and getting mauled for a 52 burger by the Lions.

Caleb played better and Swift looked decent, minus the fumble.

I think any defense is going to suffer when 3 of it's best players are out.  I know the Bears have a myriad of problems but, saying they lack the depth to replace perhaps, their 3 top players on defense.  Is a problem unique to the Bears is total BS, there isn't a team in football that'll overcome such circumstances. 

[UMFan83]

19 minutes ago, Wilson A2000 said:

Down your 3 best starters will do it on a defense that was average at best to begin with

When Jaylon Johnson went down the Bears had stopped the Lions from scoring on 3 of their 5 possessions.  131 yards on 5 drives

After he left, the Lions scored on their last 6 drives with the starting offensive in the game (5 TDs, 1 FG).  375 yards on 6 drives.  I'm not saying it's all on him leaving but he's your best defensive player and plays a position the Bears are very thin at with Kyler out also.  Feels like the damn kind of broke after he left.

Unfortunately, I'm expecting Johnson to be gone for a significant period of time considering he re-aggrivated the groin injury that kept him out for 2 months (all of training camp and preseason and week 1).  Edwards also re-aggrivated his injury.  It's going to be a long season.

Edited September 15, 2025 by UMFan83

[gflore34]

16 minutes ago, mul21 said:

I think the injuries are problematic, Eberflus is probably a better defensive coordinator than he gets credit for, and holy horsefeathers where is the pass rush?  You just can't let any QB, let alone one with weapons like the Lions have, sit back there all day and pick you apart.

I'd like to see them sell out and bring everyone, because giving the QB an ample amount of time is not effective.  By selling out and bringing everyone you'll get burned, you'll also force mistakes from time to time which will almost never happen by just letting the QB sit in the pocket.

[gflore34]

4 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

When Jaylon Johnson went down the Bears had stopped the Lions from scoring on 3 of their 5 possessions.  131 yards on 5 drives

After he left, the Lions scored on their last 6 drives with the starting offensive in the game (5 TDs, 1 FG).  375 yards on 6 drives.  I'm not saying it's all on him leaving but he's your best defensive player and plays a position the Bears are very thin at with Kyler out also.  Feels like the damn kind of broke after he left.

Unfortunately, I'm expecting Johnson to be gone for a significant period of time considering he re-aggrivated the groin injury that kept him out for 2 months (all of training camp and preseason and week 1).  Edwards also re-aggrivated his injury.  It's going to be a long season.

I think it best to assume they're (Johnson, Edwards and probably Gordon) effectively done, maybe, they make back the last few weeks.  But I wouldn't count on it.

Edited September 15, 2025 by gflore34

[Wilson A2000]

8 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

I'd like to see them sell out and bring everyone, because giving the QB an ample amount of time is not effective.  By selling out and bringing everyone you'll get burned, you'll also force mistakes from time to time which will almost never happen by just letting the QB sit in the pocket.

Isn’t tons of pressure Allen’s MO?

[gflore34]

Just now, Wilson A2000 said:

Isn’t tons of pressure Allen’s MO?

Yesterday it appeared to me they were consistently rushing 4 and dropping everyone else in "coverage".

[UMFan83]

5 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

Yesterday it appeared to me they were consistently rushing 4 and dropping everyone else in "coverage".

Probably a function of the personnel they had on the field.  The secondary needed all the help they could get?  I guess its a matter of choosing which one burns you less...

[Soul]

1 hour ago, UMFan83 said:

I forgot how annoying Detroit sports fans were.  My newish manager who is an obsessive Lions fans pings the team first thing today saying "Happy Monday Bears fans, Bear down! I bet Ben Johnson called Dan Campbell last night crying 'ive made a huge mistake, please take me back' "

So close to being triggered lol

 

They get a taste of success and go from lovable losers to Philly.

Their pass rush clobbers Caleb on the head and they boo for 15 minutes even though the game was already won.  I didn’t think it was possible to start hating a city’s fans so quick.

[UMFan83]

Fun