CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- At least next week, nobody will have to worry about managing expectations at Halas Hall.
Quarterback Justin Fields played poorly, his offense performed worse and the Bears suddenly find themselves stuck in a three-game losing streak after an ugly 12-7 defeat to the woebegone Washington Commanders at Soldier Field.
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This one most certainly malfunctioned, from too many Fields missed throws to Velus Jones Jr.'s muffed punt to the unfortunate choice of uniforms. For the first time in the modern era, the Bears wore orange helmets, often the color marking a construction zone, an appropriate choice only given the rebuilding project this season represents.
And, boy, do the Bears have some work to do.
They let one of the most beatable opponents they'll play all season escape with a victory they didn’t deserve either. The Bears lost this one more than the Commanders won it. Both offenses took turns being, well, offensive. Both teams confirmed America’s suspicion about the NFL’s weeknight showcase being nothing more than a money grab between two weary and, in this case, weak teams.
The Commanders only gained 214 yards. The Bears managed a measly seven points and came away empty on all three trips inside the red zone. Yuk.
After Fields hit Dante Pettis with a beautiful 40-yard pass in the third quarter for the game’s first touchdown, nobody would have blamed legendary play-by-play man Al Michaels if he asked the national audience, “Do you believe in miracles?”
That is, those who hadn’t started watching something more compelling. Like croquet.
Before that touchdown, the Bears appeared more than committed to getting shut out. Fields left 14 points on the field with two first-half misfires in the red zone that killed any momentum he hoped would carry over from his marvelous performance in Minneapolis on Sunday. As a sullen Fields spoke postgame, that Minnesota moment seemed more like four months ago than four days ago.
“I’m tired of being close," Fields said. “We’ve got to finish."
Fields’ first mistake came in the first quarter on second-and-goal from the 5-yard line when he threw a pass that hit Commander defensive lineman Efe Obada in the helmet, deflecting into the air where it was easy for Jonathan Allen to pluck. That allowed the Commanders to keep points off the board take over at their own 6.
Then, on the next series in the second quarter, Fields cost the Bears again by overthrowing tight end Ryan Griffin for a certain touchdown on a well-designed play on second-and-goal from the 3. Two plays later, the Commanders took over at their own 1 after stuffing Khalil Herbert on fourth-and-goal.
“He was wide open, and I’ve got to hit that," Fields acknowledged.
If Fields had completed those passes – a reasonable expectation for an NFL quarterback – the Bears would have faced the rare question of how to handle a 14-0 lead in the first half. Instead, he didn’t and regressed despite how positively coach Matt Eberflus tried shaping the narrative.
“I think he took a step forward," Eberflus said.
A step forward?
I wish I had Eberflus for high school chemistry if he grades on that curve. For the sake of Fields and the Bears, hope that Eberflus holds his quarterback to a higher standard privately than he did publicly. Completing 14 of 27 passes for 190 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a 71.5 passer rating hardly qualifies as a step in the right direction. It takes more than one beauty of a throw to make that case.
Truth? Days after Fields left Bears fans breathless by crediting yoga breathing for his modest improvement, he increased anxiety around town with a performance that made his coach’s definition of progress a real stretch. Breathe, Chicago, breathe.
Even with all the mistakes and missed opportunities, Fields still had a shot a redemption on the final, frantic drive. But on second-and-goal from the 4 with 45 seconds left, with Mooney open and a clear path into the end zone for the game-winning score, Fields forced a pass that Commander defensive end James Smith-Williams batted away instead of displaying a soft touch he has yet to master. On fourth down, Fields put the ball where it needed to be, but Mooney bobbled the ball just over the goal line, only to eventually come down with the catch inches away from paydirt.
“If he didn’t bobble it…” Fields wondered aloud.
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Alas, Mooney bobbled and the Commanders benefited, celebrating a game the dysfunctional franchise felt as if it had to have after a tumultuous couple days in Washington D.C. Coach Ron Rivera, fed up with the suggestion that owner Daniel Snyder forced him to trade for quarterback Carson Wentz, capped a profanity-laced postgame press conference by abruptly walking off.
Meanwhile, in the home locker room, the Bears picked up the pieces after a loss as taxing emotionally as physically. Fields took a beating, several times staying on the ground after the play and grimacing in pain. The toll Fields took isn’t sustainable, not over a 17-game season. The Bears' inability to assemble a competent offensive line to protect Fields continues to hinder his development and, in the process, the offense’s performance.
The Commanders sacked Fields five times and forced him to tuck and run more than any young quarterback should. Through six games, the Bears’ most effective play is Fields dropping back, protection breaking down and the gifted quarterback dodging defenders on his way to another first down. Statistics credited Fields with 88 rushing yards on 12 carries, the most electric a 39-yarder with 1:06 left that required all of his considerable improvisational skills.
“Some of that stuff is just amazing," Eberflus said.
When Fields makes plays like that one, it’s easy to understand why Eberflus tries so hard to stay so positive. What Fields does can’t be coached or defended, but the harder truth for the Bears to accept is that he remains more dangerous as a runner than a passer, which isn't what you want to say about a future franchise quarterback 16 starts into his NFL career.
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy didn’t have a great game either, calling a pass on a key third-and-1 for an offense that gained 238 yard rushing as well as allowing an unacceptable delay-of-game penalty on a fourth-and-11. And Jones perhaps endured a night as long as Fields’, fumbling his second punt return in three weeks in the fourth quarter. Understandably, Eberflus sounded more likely to replace Jones than forgive him again, dismissing any suggestion the wind contributed to the misjudged punt. You just can’t put Jones back there again for awhile.
“The wind wasn’t that bad," Eberflus said. “We’re going to have to look at that."
The muffed punt and missed opportunities on offense squandered a terrific defensive effort. The Commanders missed several starters and their offense scares nobody, but give Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams credit for coming up with ways to increase pressure on the quarterback. The Bears blitzed more up the middle, bringing linebackers and safeties, sacking Wentz three times and harassing him by design. Wentz completed only 12 of 22 passes for 99 yards and had an even lower passer rating than Fields at 66.3. Roquan Smith led the way with 12 tackles, including a sack. Robert Quinn had a hurry. Justin Jones deflected a pass. Any NFL defense that gives up only 214 yards deserves better.
“I told the guys I was proud of the way they fought and battled," Eberflus said. “Just keep believing. Listen, we’re right there."
Right where, exactly? That depends where you stand on the concept of progress.
David Haugh is the co-host of the Mully & Haugh Show from 5-10 a.m. weekdays on 670 The Score. Click here to listen. Follow him on Twitter @DavidHaugh.
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