Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
The Chicago Bears proved Sunday that their problems extend beyond former head coach Matt Eberflus, whom the team fired last week.
The Bears lost to the injury-plagued San Francisco 49ers 38-13 in one of their worst performances of the year, extending their losing streak to seven games.
Chicago had one of the worst offensive first halves in NFL history, with just four yards of total offense. Things got a little better in the second half, but it was still a mostly forgettable game. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had just 134 yards and two touchdowns on 18 of 24 passes while recording seven sacks for 46 lost yards.
On the ground, the Bears had just 68 yards rushing from running backs D’Andre Swift and Williams.
Chicago’s offense wasn’t the only unit that struggled, as the defense allowed the 49ers to do whatever they wanted. Brock Purdy finished the game with 325 yards and two touchdowns on 20 of 25 passes. Tight end George Kittle had his best game of the season with 151 yards on six receptions.
After the embarrassing loss, fans called out the Bears on social media.
David Lombardi @Lombardi Himself
Brock Purdy looks like pick #1. Caleb Williams looks like pick #262
outsider @Underdog Fantasy
Caleb Williams First Half
Passing 27 yards
30 yards lost to 4 sacks
From the couch it was a total of 3 meters.
Fucking @It’s a fucking baby
The Bears finished the half with 4 total yards of offense.
THE WORST HALF IN NFL HISTORY.
Covers @Covers
The Bears have been outscored 598-57 in the first half of their last two games.
They had 4 total yards of offense against SF this afternoon.pic.twitter.com/O9OBZfZ2wR
Jacob Infante @jacobinfante24
Defense is Swiss cheese. The offense looks flat.
Just a brutal start for them #Bears. There is still a lot of time left, but there is a risk that this matter will slip out of reach early on.
Sickos Committee @Sickos Committee
So, um, the Bears have 13 yards at the start of the 3rd quarter. pic.twitter.com/1SVTpm0dQj
Kevin Fielder
@Rivals Fielder
George Kittle (138 yards) has 69 times the total yards of the Chicago Bears (2) with 1:50 left in the first half.
Kittle has 5 touches; The Bears have played 14 games.
The Sports News @Sports News
The Bears had more punts (5) than offensive yards (4) against the 49ers in the first half. pic.twitter.com/30lnfbYqPZ
Nate Tice @Nate_Tice
The Bears averaged just 0.2 yards per play in the first half against the 49ers.
This is the third-lowest average first-half yardage gain by an NFL team since 2012 @TruMediaSports.
Chicago probably knew its problems wouldn’t be solved by firing Eberflus, but Sunday’s loss isn’t a good sign that the Bears will be able to salvage the rest of the season by finishing strong. The Bears will have a handful of tough NFC North games to close out the year, giving them a chance to gain some momentum in the offseason or end the year demoralized.
