The Chicago Bears’ first game of the post-Matt Eberflus era turned into a nightmare as they suffered a demoralizing 38–13 blowout at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Following the lopsided loss, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams offered a brutally honest assessment of the team’s performance.
“We got our ass kicked today. There’s no way around it,” Williams admitted. “I think at one point they had 240-something [yards] and we had four total yards. Regardless of how we feel, regardless of all of that, we got it handed to us.”
A Dismal First Half for Chicago
The Bears’ offensive struggles were evident from the outset. The team managed just four total yards in the first half, averaging a dismal 0.2 yards per play. Meanwhile, the 49ers imposed their will on both sides of the ball, jumping out to a commanding 24–0 halftime lead behind a mix of explosive plays and a stifling defensive effort.
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy showcased his efficiency, connecting with his receivers on big plays, while the 49ers’ run game kept the Bears’ defense off balance. Chicago’s inability to sustain drives or generate any offensive rhythm left them facing an insurmountable deficit by the time they entered the locker room.
Signs of Life in the Second Half, but Too Late
Though the Bears showed some improvement in the second half, the damage was already done. Caleb Williams finished the game completing 17 of 23 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns, avoiding any interceptions. He also contributed a 10-yard rush, the team’s longest gain on the ground, but the Bears’ rushing attack averaged just 3.2 yards per carry overall.
Chicago’s defense also struggled to contain San Francisco’s offensive weapons. The 49ers controlled the clock and capitalized on key opportunities, leaving little room for a Bears comeback.
A Season Spiraling Out of Control
Sunday’s loss marked the Bears’ seventh consecutive defeat, dropping their record to a dismal 4–9, the worst in the NFC North. The game not only highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles but also underscored the challenges Caleb Williams faces as he navigates his rookie season in an organization undergoing significant upheaval.
Despite the rough outing, Williams remained candid and focused on what lies ahead. “We’ve got to look in the mirror and figure out who we are as a team,” he said after the game. “This isn’t the standard we want to set, but it’s on all of us to change it.”
A Rivalry Showdown Awaits
The Bears will look to end their losing streak next week in a high-stakes rivalry matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.
The Vikings, vying for playoff positioning, will pose another tough test for the struggling Bears. For Williams and his teammates, it’s an opportunity to bounce back and restore some pride after a humbling loss.
As the season continues to spiral, the Bears face mounting pressure to show signs of progress under their new leadership. With a young quarterback like Williams at the helm, the team’s focus remains on building for the future—even if growing pains like Sunday’s defeat are part of the process.
