Remember when we thought things couldn’t get worse for the Bears following the 26-6 loss to the Browns in Week 3? The Bears never fail to disappoint, and they always seem to rise to the challenge when it comes to setting new lows.
Chicago was embarrassed on national television in a 38-3 blowout loss by the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game that was over after the opening possession.
While last week’s loss to the Packers was frustrating given the Bears were in a position to win, this loss to the Bucs was downright humiliating given Chicago never stood a chance.
The Bears are a team that’s been able to eek out wins against borderline good teams. But when it comes to playing against some top-notch talent, they haven’t stood a chance. And a lot of that comes down the struggles of the offense that looks the worst it has in a long time — and that’s with talent on the roster.
The lone bright spot on offense was rookie running back Khalil Herbert, who had 100 yards rushing, including 83 yards in the first half, against the NFL’s best run defense. Herbert also had 33 receiving yards.
As for rookie Justin Fields, things were downright ugly. Fields looked like a rookie quarterback in every aspect against the Bucs, where he was sacked 4 times and committed five turnovers (two interceptions and three fumbles). Granted, he didn’t get any help from those around him, be it the offensive line, who started Lachavious Simmons at right tackle before he was benched, or his weapons dropping passes.
Fields finished 22-of-32 for 184 yards with three interceptions and a 44.3 passer rating. He struggled mightily against a really good defense, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll develop properly as long as Nagy remains in Chicago.
Despite a couple of nice stops, the Bears defense struggled mightily against the Bucs, who dropped 38 points on them. Tom Brady threw for four — that’s right, four — touchdowns, and they never stood a chance.
Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols was ejected for throwing a punch at Ryan Jensen following a play in the second half. Nichols is the third Bears player to be ejected from a game in the last calendar year, joining former receivers Javon Wims and Anthony Miller.
This game was another reminder the Bears aren’t going anywhere as long as Nagy remains the head coach. While it’s unlikely Chicago would fire Nagy after this game — as they’ve never fired a head coach midseason, including Marc Trestman — you have to believe this is a game that will have a lasting impact on the rest of the season and for the McCaskeys at the conclusion of the regular season when they have a decision to make.