The Bears lost big to the Packers, 31-7, and defensive back Jaylon Johnson was left wounded—suffering serious burns from too many deep completions in Green Bay.
"Yeah, this game is personal," Johnson said. "I wouldn't expect [Green Bay] to lay down just because they're up. And for us, we've got to fight back. We've just got to play for pride."
Johnson and the Bears allowed Jordan Love to throw for nearly 12 yards a completion. Love unleashed 367 passing yards with two long TDs to Christian Watson and no interceptions. Sacked twice, Love posted a through-the-roof passer rating of 137.5.
Tyson Bagent’s rating was a pitiful 27.4, bumbling his way to the Bears bench after three awful quarters featuring two interceptions.
"You definitely do not want to be benched, especially in a game like this, especially with the opportunity I've been blessed with," Bagent said.
Bagent finished 12-of-21 passing for just 87 yards (4.1 yards per attempt) and was sacked twice.
"In a game, these things happen. I've got to play better," Bagent added. "I'll look in the mirror and see where I can continue to get better."
Enter Case Keenum, bringing another Packers interception—and a fumble. Keenum finished 11-of-19 passing for 108 yards (5.7 yards per attempt), two turnovers (one interception, one fumble), and two sacks, good for a 52.1 passer rating.
Starting QB Caleb Williams could return as soon as this week for next Sunday’s noon game in Atlanta.
"Yeah, he's on track," Head Coach Ben Johnson said. "We'll see if it's Atlanta or after. I think it's going to be close."
Williams has missed three consecutive games since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain on a non-contact play against the Vikings in Week 2. The Bears went 2-1 in his absence. He was questionable for yesterday's game in Green Bay, but his return is now desperately needed against the Falcons.
Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. is also a question mark approaching Sunday's game in Atlanta. He ended an overtime loss to the Ravens on the bench with a rib injury. Penix Jr. says he'll be back to face the Bears this week, though his ribs may have another opinion.
Will Atlanta follow a Packers playbook that turned the Bears and linebacker Devin Bush inside out for 428 total yards?
"Oh, we've got to learn from this, for sure," Bush said. "There's always errors. Win, lose, draw. First game. Last game. Doesn't matter. It's an opportunity for us to grow."
The Bears committed an embarrassing five turnovers, including on four straight second-half possessions. The postgame handshake between Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur was the top moment of the second half.
"Winning minimizes the mistakes. Losing maximizes them. They're there every single week," Johnson said. "I'll tell you what I told the team: 'I believe in this coaching staff. I believe in our players. And I believe in our process. So the process doesn't change. I know we'll respond the right way. We've got the right guys in this building.'"
