Bears lose to Lions 19-16 but secure NFC's No. 2 seed; Williams sets passing record

The Chicago Bears secured the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs despite a narrow 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions, raising questions about their offensive performance heading into the postseason.

Why it matters: This loss highlights the Bears' inconsistencies, particularly on offense, as they prepare for a playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

• Securing the second seed demonstrates that the Bears have potential but raises concerns about their ability to perform consistently against strong opponents.
• The team has struggled offensively, managing to score only in the fourth quarter of their last game.

What’s new: Caleb Williams, the Bears' quarterback, broke the franchise's single-season passing record with 3,942 yards, just shy of the 4,000-yard mark.

• His achievement underscores his growth as a player and his pivotal role in the Bears' success this season.
• Despite his individual success, Williams emphasized the need for urgency and consistency from the entire team.

Yes, but: The Bears were held scoreless for three quarters against the Lions, raising alarms about their offensive execution.

• Head coach Ben Johnson expressed disappointment, stating, "I was not pleased with the offense today... I let those guys know that."
• The Bears defense also allowed a staggering 433 yards to the Lions, indicating systemic issues across multiple facets of the team.

By the numbers: The Bears entered the fourth quarter down 16-0 before scoring a late touchdown.

• They finished with a dismal 2-4 record in division play, despite winning the NFC North title.
• Overall, the Bears allowed 1,313 yards over their last three games, revealing vulnerabilities that could be exploited by playoff teams.

What to watch: As the Bears prepare to host the Packers, all eyes will be on how well they can mitigate their recent struggles.

• The matchup will serve as a critical test for both teams as they vie for postseason advancement.
• Williams stated, “Whatever happens on the other side of the ball, it's not something we can control," emphasizing the need for his offense to take responsibility.

Zoom In: Caleb Williams connected with receiver Jahdae Walker for a 25-yard touchdown, showcasing moments of brilliance amidst the lackluster performance.

• Other key contributions included Colston Loveland’s 1-yard touchdown and Cole Kmet's successful 2-point conversion, highlighting the potential within the squad if they can find rhythm.

The bottom line: While the Bears have clinched a playoff spot, their recent form suggests that significant improvements are needed for a successful run, especially against a rival like Green Bay.

• The team must address its offensive inefficiencies while leveraging its strengths to advance in the postseason.