(670 The Score) Winning ugly is better than losing in any form, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less work to accomplish.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson felt that way following his team’s 25-24 victory over the Raiders on Sunday in Las Vegas. The Bears had an uneven performance that included offensive struggles.
The Bears posted just 271 yards of offense and averaged only 4.2 yards per play, particularly scuffling with their running game. But Chicago earned a victory thanks to quarterback Caleb Williams leading a late go-ahead touchdown drive and a defense that forced four turnovers before special teams ace Josh Blackwell blocked the Raiders' go-ahead field-goal attempt in the final minute.
In returning to Halas Hall on Monday, Johnson was focused on improvements for his offense.
"I'm not proud of what we put on tape,” Johnson said of his Bears offense. “I think it's a reflection of myself. I always take it personally. I saw us getting better the first three weeks in a lot of ways on offense. This was just a little bit of a step back for us. The bye week is coming at a good time. We're really going to be able to take a good look at ourselves and do a little soul searching. It's always good when you play that poorly and yet you're still able to come away with a win. I think our guys are going to be able to bounce back from this."
Bears running back D’Andre Swift carried 14 times for 38 yards and a touchdown. Chicago’s rushing attack managed just 69 yards and 2.7 yards per carry.
Williams was 22-of-37 for 212 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He led an 11-play, 69-yard touchdown drive that was capped by Swift's two-yard touchdown run with 1:39 remaining.
The clutch drive led by Williams put a good finish on a challenging day for the Bears’ offense.
"He was very comfortable,” Bears receiver Olamide Zaccheaus said. “There's never any panic in the group. We know what we need to do. We've put so much time into these situations throughout the OTAs, training camp and even in season. We just go down and just doing what we've already practiced."
The Bears (2-2) are on a bye in Week 5 before returning to action against the Commanders (2-2) on Monday Night Football on Oct. 13.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.