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The Rating: Bears Players, Coaches’ Evaluations in Loss to Texans

Vaseline September 16, 2024

DEFENSE LINE: A

Not as dominant as the opener against Will Levis and the Titans, but the line was effective across the board, keeping the Bears in the game and forcing C.J. Stroud to make plays from the pocket to move the Texans’ offense. Montez Sweat had an early pass breakup, but his supporting cast once again had a bigger impact. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter had a sack, as did defensive end DeMarcus Walker. Andrew Billings forced a fumble that kept the hopes alive. Billings was solid once again, as the Bears limited the Texans to 75 rushing yards on 22 carries (3.4 average). Running back Joe Mixon, who rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown against the Colts last week, missed most of the second half with an ankle injury but was limited to 25 yards rushing on nine carries while he was there.

OFFENSIVE LINE: F

Just not very good. Right tackle Darnell Wright defending Williams after what the Bears thought was a late hit on their quarterback was the highlight. From the Bears’ first rushing attempt — when center Coleman Shelton was beaten by defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi and DeAndre Swift lost four yards — the Bears struggled to establish a run game. They finished with 71 yards on 22 carries. Williams didn’t get a clean pocket very often. And he’s already getting hit — including seven sacks in a one-score game.

QUARTERBACK: C

Caleb Williams (23 of 37, 174 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, seven sacks, 51.0 rating) was more accurate in his second NFL start, but he was unable to overcome an inadequate offensive line and protection scheme that forced him to make too many plays on the run. Williams’ inability to make big plays off the grid was never more apparent than when he escaped a sack and drove into open territory in the flat to have time to make a downfield play. But his pass to tight end Cole Kmet was intercepted.

SHANE WALDRON: D

This offense needs to improve to reach the dreaded “work in progress” phase. The Bears racked up 205 yards on 66 plays (3.1 average). Their longest designed play was 19 yards until a 27-yard pass to Rome Odunze in desperation. And Waldron’s offense fooled no one.

LINEBACKERS: B

Jack Sanborn had a clutch pass deflection in the first quarter and a sack in the fourth. Tremaine Edmunds had a sack and 11 tackles. TJ Edwards added eight tackles.

But every bump in Williams’ development is no license for the Bears to underperform. The playoffs are still a mandatory requirement for this season to be considered successful. Rebuilding can only last so long.

By means of Jason Lieser