Stock Up, Stock Down after Bears’ big win over Raiders

The Chicago Bears walked into Soldier Field on Sunday, losing their last ten games on their turf, a losing streak dating back to October of 2022. The infamous streak is over thanks to a dominant performance in all three phases of the game in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

It was a complete win for the Bears, the kind that hasn’t come around very often for this team. Usually, one side of the ball or one position group struggles in a win, but on Sunday, everyone on the team did their part to secure the win.

As a result, several Bears players’ stock is on the rise. And, of course, there are a few Bears who need to up their game.

Here’s whose stock is up and whose (or what) is down after the Chicago Bears’ big win in Week 7.

Stock Up

Tyson Bagent

The undrafted rookie quarterback from a Division II school no one had ever heard of started an NFL game on Sunday … and won.

Just as important, Bagent didn’t turn the ball over. Good things happen for quarterbacks who don’t turn the ball over. We still don’t know precisely what Bagent can be in the NFL, whether a legit starting quarterback or a career backup, but for now, let’s just enjoy the ride.

Jaylon Johnson

Johnson recorded his first multi-interception game on Sunday and got his first pick-six, as well. After scoring the defensive touchdown, he celebrated with a “make it rain” gesture to the camera, signaling to general manager Ryan Poles that he wants a new contract.

And you know what? He’s earned it. Pay the man.

Offensive line

This was arguably the best game of the season for the offensive line, almost as good as their Week 4 performance at Washington.

Tyson Bagent was only sacked once and hit three times. Some of that is thanks to his ability to get rid of the ball quickly, but credit the offensive line for playing well in pass protection.

Run blocking is where the offensive line shined, opening gigantic holes for the running backs to sprint through. This much-maligned unit earned their victory Monday by bullying the Raiders’ defensive line for 60 minutes.

Matt Eberflus

Is Eberflus a better defensive coordinator than head coach? Except for the Chiefs game in Week 3, the defense has improved since he took over play-calling duties. In the last three games, the defense has given up just over 14 points per game and has racked up six takeaways.

The improvements in the run game have been most impressive. From finishing dead last in run defense in 2022, the Bears are now Top 5 in rush yards allowed. They’re tied for first overall if you go by yards per carry.

Eberflus has a long way to go to cool down the hot seat he’s on, but a vastly improved defense will help with that.

Cairo Santos

Santos has quietly been one of the Bears’ steadiest players. After connecting on a long 54-yard field goal late in the game on Sunday, he has made 14 consecutive field goals dating back to last season. He’s easily one of the most dependable kickers in the league, yet chronically overlooked.

Stock Down

The Tank Job

Some fans have already been rooting for losses to secure the top two picks. I can’t do that. Certainly not in October. Those fans will be displeased to know that the Bears’ win pushed their 2023 first-round pick up to No. 3 overall, just behind the Cardinals.

The Bagent Doubters

A lot of reasons were given for why Bagent would fail on Sunday.

He’s just a D2 quarterback. He was undrafted. He has a noodle arm. He can’t run.

He’s also 1-0 as a starter and has a chance in Week 8 to turn up the heat on Justin Fields.