Making the grade: Evaluating the Bears players and coaches in the loss to the Texans
Defense line: A
Not as dominant as in the opener against Will Levis and the Titans, but the line was effective across the board, keeping the Bears in the game and forcing CJ Stroud to play out of the pocket to get the Texans offense moving. Montez Sweat was able to intercept a pass early, but his supporting cast again had a bigger impact. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter had a sack, with defensive end DeMarcus Walker. Andrew Billings forced a fumble that kept hope alive. Billings was solid again as the Bears held the Texans to 75 rushing yards on 22 carries (3.4 avg.). Running back Joe Mixon, who ran for 159 yards and a touchdown last week against the Colts, missed most of the second half with an ankle injury, but was held to 25 yards on nine carries during his playing time.
OFFENSIVE LINE: F
Just not very good. The highlight came when right tackle Darnell Wright came to Williams’ aid after a perceived late hit on their quarterback. From the Bears’ first attempt at the drive – when center Coleman Shelton was hit by defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi and DeAndre Swift lost four yards – the Bears struggled to establish a running game. They finished the game with 71 yards on 22 carries. Williams didn’t often get a clean pocket. And he’s already taking a lot – including seven sacks in a one-score game.
QUARTERBACK: C
Caleb Williams (23 of 37, 174 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, seven sacks, 51.0 rating) was more accurate in his second NFL appearance, but couldn’t break through a subpar offensive line and protection system that forced him to make too many running plays. Williams’ inability to make big plays outside of the game plan was never more evident than when he escaped a sack and rolled into the open field to buy time for a downfield play. But his pass to tight end Cole Kmet was intercepted.
SHANE WALDRON: D
This offense needs to improve to even reach the dreaded “work in progress” stage. The Bears gained 205 yards on 66 plays (3.1 average). Their longest planned play was 19 yards until he threw a desperation 27-yard pass to Rome Odunze. And Waldron’s offense couldn’t fool anyone.
LINEBACKER: B
Jack Sanborn had a key pass defense in the first quarter and a sack in the fourth quarter. Tremaine Edmunds had a sack and 11 tackles. TJ Edwards added eight tackles.
But any shortcomings in Williams’ development are not a free pass for the Bears to perform below average. The playoffs are still a must for this season to be considered a success. The rebuilding process cannot be endless.
Williams said he was “bruised” but expected to be fit for practice on Wednesday and the upcoming game against the Colts.
In both cases, the Bears lost a timeout.
