The Chicago Bears hit rock bottom on Sunday, and it came at the hands of a familiar rival. The Detroit Lions put together a 52-21 beatdown that left little doubt about which NFC North team is on the rise — and which one is still stuck searching for answers.
From the very start, Detroit looked sharper, faster, and far more physical. Jared Goff carved up the Bears’ defense, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery ran wild, and Aidan Hutchinson made life miserable for Chicago’s offensive line. By halftime, the game was essentially over, but the Lions didn’t take their foot off the gas.
When a loss is this ugly, there aren’t many positives to point to. In fact, most of Chicago’s roster looked lost, and several key players took a step back. But there was at least one bright spot amid the chaos. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams (the lone “winner”) showed flashes of the talent that made him the Bears’ No. 1 pick. Despite constant pressure, Williams stood tall, kept fighting, and delivered a few highlight throws that suggest better days could be ahead — if the front office can surround him with enough help.
As for the rest? It was a disaster. The offensive line collapsed under Detroit’s relentless pass rush. The secondary looked out of sync, giving up chunk play after chunk play. Veterans who were supposed to steady the team instead looked overwhelmed. And head coach Matt Eberflus? He’s right back under the microscope as his squad crumbled on the biggest stage of their season so far.
For the Lions, though, this game was a statement. Dan Campbell’s team isn’t just winning — they’re dominating, and they’re doing it against old rivals in convincing fashion. With their sights set on a deep playoff run, Detroit proved they’re ready for the spotlight.
The Bears, meanwhile, leave Detroit with more questions than answers. Outside of Williams, there weren’t many winners in this one — and that’s the harsh reality of a team that still looks miles away from competing with the NFC’s best.
