4 takeaways from Bears’ humiliating Week 17 loss to Lions

After playing the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills tough in Weeks 15 and 16, Chicago Bears fans were optimistic entering Week 17’s game against the Lions in Detroit. The logic behind that optimism was sound. If the Bears can compete against two of the NFL’s top contenders, they’d at the very least keep Sunday’s contest against the Lions close.

Uh, no.

The Bears lost 41-10 in one of the most lopsided defeats in recent Bears history. Blame for the loss belongs to the offense and defense in equal parts. Any positive vibes fans felt Sunday morning were sacked away by the afternoon.

Here are the four biggest takeaways from the Chicago Bears’ Week 17 loss to the Detroit Lions.

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Please protect Justin Fields for one more game

Fields began Week 17 in a familiar fashion. He had more than 100 rushing yards in the first quarter, tossed a touchdown pass to Cole Kmet, and had the Bears on a clear path to victory.

Then, the wheels fell off.

The main reason Fields and the offense stalled for the rest of the game was the lack of pass protection. Chicago’s offensive line surrendered seven sacks. Each hit was more worrisome than the last. And Bears fans were left holding their breath every time Fields went to the turf.

The only goal coach Matt Eberflus and the Bears’ staff should have in Week 18’s finale against the Vikings is to keep Fields upright and healthy. Sure, it’d be nice for Fields to break Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record for a quarterback (he’s less than 70 yards away). But it isn’t worth risking his health, especially if the game is out of reach early.

Fields has nothing left to prove in the 2022 season. And if Sunday’s loss is any indication of what’s to come in Week 18, the Bears should treat the game like a preseason contest. Give Fields some reps but pull him early and put him on ice for the offseason.

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The Bears have a serious run defense problem

While most of the national media will focus on Justin Fields’ completing just seven passes and throwing for fewer than 80 yards, the biggest concern to arise from Sunday’s loss to the Lions was the Bears’ run defense.

The Lions ran for 268 yards, including 144 by running back Jamaal Williams. It was an embarrassing failure of Matt Eberflus’ HITS principle. There was no hustle. No intensity. No one was tackling. It was a shockingly bad showing.

Games like Sunday’s make Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter an obvious target in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Adding a potential game-wrecker at the critically important three-technique spot in Eberflus’ defense may be the quickest way to solving the issue.

Is Braxton Jones the left tackle of the future?

Jones had one of his worst games as a pro in Week 17 against the Lions. He surrendered multiple sacks and was flagged for penalties. The fifth-round pick from Southern Utah has played above his weight class for most of his rookie season, but he looked overmatched against an up-and-coming Lions’ defensive front.

With veteran free agents like Orlando Brown and quality 2023 NFL Draft prospects like Paris Johnson Jr. within the Bears’ reach this offseason, it may be time to dive deep into Jones’ 2022 season film and revisit whether his job is secure as the year comes to a close.

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The Bears have checked out on the 2022 season

The most painfully obvious takeaway from Week 17’s shellacking was the Bears’ lack of effort on both sides of the ball. The defense avoided contact. The offense went through the motions. It felt like Justin Fields was the only player giving 100% effort when the final whistle blew.

It’s hard to blame them. At 3-13, Chicago is having its worst season in franchise history. At this point, self-preservation is kicking in. With one game — four quarters — left to play in the year, the priority for soon-to-be free agents and players on the verge of a contract year is health. End the season in one piece and move on to off-season workouts.

Coach Matt Eberflus will be tested this week. His culture will be tested. His messaging will be tested. These Bears players must prove they’re willing to play hard for him, even when they don’t have to. Otherwise, many of them won’t be in Chicago next season.