Jermale Dabney 
Going into Sunday’s matchup, both the Bears and the Denver Broncos were looking for anything to grab on to. Both teams sat at 0-3, both teams had defenses that were among the worst in football, and while the Broncos had a very average offense led by Russell Wilson, the Bears were fielding one of the worst offenses in the league. But despite Justin Fields best efforts, Chicago blew a 28-7 lead and lost to Denver 31-28.
For Denver, QB Russell Wilson had a nice performance, going 21/28, 223 yds and three TDs. The leading rusher for the Broncos was undrafted rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, carrying the ball seven times for 72 yards. The biggest play of the day for Denver was a Wilson 47-yd deep ball to rookie receiver Marvin Mims Jr., which set them up for what would become the game-winning field goal.
For the Bears, Fields had his best game as a Chicago Bear on Sunday, going 28/35, 335 yds, four TDs and one interception. He broke the Bears franchise record for most consecutive pass completions (16), had his first 300-yard game as a pro, and had a career-high four touchdown passes. Wide receiver DJ Moore also had a monster day, catching eight passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. Cole Kmet also had a nice day, catching seven passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns, and Darnell Mooney made four catches for 51 yards. He looked comfortable, confident, and in control for most of the game.
However, two mistakes by Fields ended up being the difference in the game. In the third quarter, Fields rolled out of the pocket and got hit almost immediately and fumbled the ball, which was picked up by Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper and returned for a 35-yard touchdown. After Denver had taken the lead in the fourth quarter, Fields had one more chance to tie or win the game for the Bears, but ended up throwing his only interception of the day on a pass intended for Kmet. These mistakes proved to be costly for Chicago, as they would fall to 0-4 on the season.
Fields postgame reflected on the Bears 14th straight loss. “I think we were in a rhythm. [Offensive coordinator] Luke (Getsy) was dialing it up. Guys were protecting up front. Receivers were getting open. We were definitely in a rhythm. At the end of the day, we lost the game, so it doesn’t really matter.”
The Bears cannot dwell on this loss for very long. Their next game finds them heading to our nation’s capital to play against the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. Hopefully the offensive momentum can continue to roll, and the Bears (for the first time in almost a full calendar year) can actually win.
By Jermale Dabney, Junior, Lindblom Math and Science Academy
Instagram: @jermale_d
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. To support the voice and perspective of toay’s youth, donate at truestarmedia.org/donate.
