Post Game Report from Week 8: Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens

The Bears had a lot on their side for this game, with Lamar Jackson ruled out and the Bears on a 4-game tear. It was the complete opposite. Baltimore picked apart the Bears' defense with Tyler Huntley under center and the quick option pass. They also relied on the strong run game between Huntley and Derrick Henry, who had a nice resurgence in a year where he’s struggled. Henry had an impressive stat line of 71 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Nothing flashy. Nothing game-breaking. Quite honestly, the game was sloppy, but the Ravens, without their main star power, relied on old-school run-the-ball-down-your-throat football. 

The main thing for the Bears was the intense struggle in the red zone, especially with their pass game. Caleb was dominant in the intermediate plane passing, but went through his second game without scoring a touchdown. The Bears had three total redzone appearances and only capitalized on one with a two-yard TD run. I would like to mention that in my preview for this game, I said Caleb Williams needed to step it up for this Bears team to succeed, especially in a division that’s unanimously called the toughest in the NFC North. 

Despite the last game, these offensive struggles have stemmed early. With a 47.8% red-zone efficiency and after going 1 for 3 in Baltimore, something needs to change. The Bears are now 4-3, sitting in an unusual limbo.

They take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a very winnable game. The Bengals just lost to the New York Jets, breaking the Jets’ 7-game losing streak.