Finding the positives from Bears’ Week 2 loss to Packers

After a crushing primetime loss in Green Bay, morale couldn’t be lower around the Chicago Bears. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ reign of terror continues, but even worse is the increasing doubt about the organization and its direction. In these times, it is important to try and take some positives away from even the worst performances.

Here are three positives from the Bears’ Week 2 loss.

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Running Game

As a team, the Bears averaged 6.7 yards per carry in Green Bay. David Montgomery led the way with 122 yards on 15 carries, and Khalil Herbert was strong in relief with 38 yards on just four carries. Many will attribute this success to a poor Packers’ run defense, but numbers like that cannot be ignored. Even with a rotating offensive line, the Bears consistently found running room throughout the game. It begs the question of why the coaching staff ever went away from the run game, but that’s another conversation. As the offensive line gains regularity, we can only expect this strong rushing attack to continue.

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CB Jaylon Johnson

If you look at the stat sheet, you may notice Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson isn’t there. His absence can only be described by a simple fact: Aaron Rodgers never even threw his way. Johnson has garnered high praise in his young career, and opposing quarterbacks have taken notice. Some may say that Johnson isn’t being targeted because opposing teams see an opportunity to pick on younger (Kyler Gordon) and less-skilled (Kindle Vildor) defensive backs. I don’t think that should detract from the recognition Johnson has earned. At some point, the ball will be thrown Johnson’s way, and he will be ready when that time comes.

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Schedule lightens up

The schedule makers may have ruthlessly sent the Bears to Green Bay for a primetime game in Week 2, but they made up for it with a home game against the scuffling Houston Texans in Week 3. Coming in at 0-1-1, the Texans have hung around through the first two games. Their competitive streak is due to poor coaching and poor play by their opponents. The Bears have shown flashes through two games, but they’ve yet to put it together for a full 60 minutes. Week 3 gives them an opportunity to put it all together. I expect a Bears blowout similar to Week 4 of 2018 vs. the Buccaneers (the Bears won 48-10).