Bears Crushed 52-21 in Ben Johnson’s Return to Detroit

UPDATE: In a stunning defeat, the Chicago Bears fell to the Detroit Lions with a score of 52-21 on September 24, 2023, marking a dismal return for first-year head coach Ben Johnson. This loss drops the Bears to 0-2 on the season and raises urgent questions about their performance going forward.

The Lions dominated the game from the outset, capitalizing on key mistakes from the Bears. The opening kickoff from Cairo Santos sailed out of bounds, giving Detroit prime field position at their own 40-yard line. Just five plays later, Jahmyr Gibbs dashed into the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown, establishing a lead the Lions would never relinquish.

As the first quarter progressed, the Bears faced a critical moment. Trailing 14-7, they were driving downfield when disaster struck. On second-and-7 from the Detroit 33, Lions safety Brian Branch forced a fumble from running back D’Andre Swift, allowing Detroit to reclaim possession. This turning point signaled the decline of the Bears’ offensive momentum.

In a desperate attempt to stay in the game, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams faced a daunting second-and-32 situation early in the second quarter. His attempt to throw the ball away resulted in a diving interception by Lions safety Kerby Smith, leading to an 8-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff to tight end Brock Wright, extending the Lions’ lead to 21-7.

The Bears did find some bright spots in the game. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze, selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a breakout performance with seven receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns. His chemistry with Williams is beginning to flourish, providing a glimmer of hope for Bears fans.

However, the Bears’ struggles in short-yardage situations continued to plague them. They failed to convert on multiple crucial plays, including a second-and-1 from their own 37-yard line early in the second quarter. The Lions’ defense, meanwhile, exploited the Bears’ ineffective pass rush, allowing Goff to throw for 334 yards and five touchdowns with ease.

As the Bears prepare for their next match, they will face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. at Soldier Field. The Cowboys come off a thrilling 40-37 overtime victory against the New York Giants. While the Bears may breathe a sigh of relief at not facing game-wrecker Micah Parsons this week, they will face him twice later in the season, which looms large over the team.

This latest defeat raises significant questions about the Bears’ strategy and execution as they continue to search for their first win. Fans will be watching closely to see if Johnson can turn this ship around before the season slips away.