Bears Stock Watch: Rookies rise, Run defense slips vs 49ers |
Ariana Pensy
· · 2 hours ago
CHICAGO - After seeing the Chicago Bears make six comebacks with two minutes or less this season, an NFL record, fans were expecting to see that for a seventh time against the San Francisco 49ers. However, they fell just short.
Caleb Williams - Stock Up Chicago’s loss is not on quarterback Caleb Williams. He missed a few throws, as any quarterback usually will in a game. His receivers dropped a few passes on the final drive. But Williams played a great game with a 59.5 completion percentage, his first game with over 300 passing yards this season, and two touchdown passes for the fourth straight week. Chicago’s only chance of defeating San Francisco was in a shootout, and Williams gave them a chance up until the very last play. While the execution of the last play could have been better from all 11 guys, including Williams, he is still showing continued improvement each and every week. Run Defense - Stock Down The Bears started the year as one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL. They seemed to be doing better starting in week six. However, Chicago has now surrendered at least 190 rushing yards in each of the past two games. San Francisco’s running back, Christian McCaffrey, had 140 rushing yards and another 41 receiving yards. Quarterback Brock Purdy had two rushing touchdowns after only having one rushing touchdown in his previous seven games this season. This may be one of the worst performances from the defense in regards to defending the rush this year. With the NFC playoffs featuring numerous talented running backs this year, the Bears will need to tighten this up if they want to make a run in the postseason. Rookies - Stock Up Looking at the second half of the season, Chicago may have the most impactful rookies out of any team in the league. Against San Francisco, the Bears’ rookies combined for 19 receptions out of 25. Wide receiver Luther Burden III led Chicago in receiving yards with 138 yards and had his second career touchdown. Tight end Colston Loveland also had a touchdown, his fifth of the year. On the last play of the game, Williams threw the ball toward undrafted rookie Jahdae Walker, who had two receptions in this game. Running back Kyle Monangai had nine receiving yards and 38 rushing yards. This rookie class shows the Bears have a lot of promise going forward. Cole Kmet - Stock Up Statistically, tight end Cole Kmet is having a poor year with only 28 receptions for 331 yards, his lowest since his rookie year. Kmet also only has two touchdowns, his lowest since 2021 when he failed to score a touchdown. With Loveland in the picture, Kmet has converted more to being a blocking tight end than a pass-catching tight end. Some players would complain about this change in role. But, at least publicly, Kmet has embraced this change and has had several key blocks for Chicago throughout the season. Furthermore, he is still a security blanket for Williams when needed. Chicago can potentially get out of Kmet’s contract after this season, prompting speculation of whether Kmet will be cut. However, it would be ideal for the Bears to hold on to Kmet, as he fits well with head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme. Tory Taylor - Stock Up Punter Tory Taylor has quietly had another good year, averaging 48.1 yards per punt this season, and has seven games where he averaged over 50 yards per punt, including six with a punt of at least 60 yards. His best of the season was against the 49ers, where he averaged 58.7 yards per punt, had a punt for 64 yards, and pinned a punt inside the 20-yard line. For the playoffs, Taylor could be a big weapon in defensive battles, such as a potential rematch against the Green Bay Packers in Soldier Field if Chicago secures the No. 2 seed in the NFC by beating the Detroit Lions on Sun. Dec. 4 (3:25 p.m. / FOX) or if the Philadelphia Eagles lose to the Washington Commanders.
