2022 Season

5 Takeaways from Bears’ loss to Bills in Week 16

Here are the five biggest takeaways from the Chicago Bears’ Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills, including Justin Fields’ lack of supporting …

Published

3 years ago

December 25, 2022

Bryan Perez

5 Takeaways from Bears' loss to Bills in Week 16 (2022 Season)

The Chicago Bears lost to the Buffalo Bills, 35-13, in a Week 16 game that was much closer than the final score indicates. The Bears’ defense played MVP candidate Josh Allen tough, while Justin Fields proved he’s still capable of making big plays with wide receivers who may not be playing in the NFL next season.

Saturday’s loss drops the Bears to 3-12 on the season. Their grip on the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft remains strong, and with the Houston Texans’ surprising victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 16, Chicago’s chances at landing the first pick in the draft increased.

Don’t get your hopes up, Bears fans. A lot has to go right for the Texans to win two more games, Chicago has to lose out, too. It’s highly unlikely the Bears will be “on the clock” at the end of Week 18, but, hey, you never know.

Here are some key takeaways from Week 16’s loss to the Bills.

Justin Fields has no chance

Fields is operating like a fighter with both hands tied behind his back at this point in the season. His leading receiver in Saturday’s game was tight end Cole Kmet, who managed just 27 yards on five catches. Rookie Velus Jones Jr. had the most yards of any Bears pass-catcher with 52, 44 came on one play.

Fields’ supporting cast limitations extend to the offensive line, too. He was under constant duress again against a skilled Bills defense. When he had time to throw, his cast of backup and practice squad wide receivers couldn’t generate separation. On the rare occasions that his wideouts won their reps, he had no time to deliver a pass.

To make matters worse, Fields looked bruised and battered after the game and said his left shoulder bothered him a bit. The last thing the Bears want to do is risk injury to their franchise quarterback, even with a rushing record within reach.

If Fields is less than 100% for next Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, the Bears should think long and hard about sitting him.

Kyler Gordon closing out season with positive momentum

Gordon was one of the Bears’ best defenders Saturday. He finished the game with five tackles, one interception, and the second-highest PFF grade among defenders who played starter snaps. His 70.6 coverage grade also ranked second-best.

Gordon’s registered an interception in back-to-back weeks and has three in his rookie season. Eddie Jackson is the only Bears defender with more (4).

Perhaps the games Kyler Gordon missed with a concussion (he was out two weeks) helped him settle down after an up-and-down start to his career. His last two games have been encouraging, and if he continues performing like a playmaking cornerback to close out the season, he’ll be counted on as a key cog in Chicago’s rebuilding efforts.

Are we watching the end of the David Montgomery era?

One thing was noticeably clear in Saturday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills: Khalil Herbert’s juice is a welcome sight to the Bears’ running game.

It’s not that Herbert was more productive than Montgomery. Montgomery totaled 62 yards on 16 carries, while Herbert finished with six carries for seven yards. But it’s clear to anyone who watches this team that Herbert offers more field-flipping ability with every touch.

Montgomery, meanwhile, is a classic banger with above-average wiggle and flexibility who gets the most out of every carry. He’s a good pro running back, but he’s also replaceable. With his rookie contract expiring in a few weeks, it’ll be interesting to see if he has a robust market in free agency. Players like Josh Jacobs (Raiders), Miles Sanders (Eagles), and superstar Saquon Barkley (Giants) could all be hitting the open market too.

Montgomery may have no choice but to come back to Chicago on a team-friendly short-term deal. If so, it should be with the understanding that Herbert is the 1A in 2023. The offense simply feels more explosive with No. 24 in the lineup.

Chicago has a lot of work to do on defense

The Bears’ run defense was gashed by the Buffalo Bills Saturday. It was embarrassing. Devin Singletary ran for 106 yards. James Cook ran for 99 yards. Allen added 41. Singletary averaged 8.8 yards per carry, Cook averaged nine!

If it wasn’t already abundantly clear before Week 16’s humiliation, the Bears will make the defensive line a priority in the offseason. The calls for Georgia’s Jalen Carter to be atop Chicago’s wish list in the 2023 NFL Draft grew louder after Saturday’s loss.

Welcome to the party, Velus Jones Jr.

It’s only fair to close out our takeaways with a hat tip to Velus Jones Jr., who’s had one of the most difficult rookie seasons in recent memory. Whether it’s dropped passes, muffed punts, or fumbles, he’s been downright brutal.

And that’s why it was nice to see him flash his playmaking speed on a fantastic 44-yard catch late in the third quarter. Here’s to hoping Jones can finish the year trending in the right direction.

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