Studs and duds from Bears’ brutal loss vs. Chargers in Week 8

The Chicago Bears were embarrassed by the Los Angeles Chargers, 30-13, on Sunday Night Football. It marked the team’s 16th loss in the last 18 games.

For those keeping score, the Bears have yet to win back-to-back games under head coach Matt Eberflus. It was ugly from start to finish, where Chicago was outplayed and outcoached in all facets. Rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent came back down to earth following his first NFL start, where he did open things up downfield but tossed two interceptions in the process. Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense did whatever they wanted against this Bears defense, be it through the air or on the ground.

We’re taking a look at the studs and duds from the Bears’ Week 8 loss to the Chargers.

Evans didn’t see significant action — with the return of rookie Roschon Johnson behind workhorse D’Onta Foreman — but he did account for the team’s first touchdown of the game. Evans had four carries for 18 yards (4.5 average) and an 11-yard touchdown in the second quarter. He added three catches for 22 yards.

It’s clear that Jones has worn out his welcome on this team, and Luke Getsy needs to stop trying to make Velus happen. We all know of Jones’ muffing issues, but it somehow got worse on Sunday night. Jones was wide open, lost his footing and dropped a sure-fire touchdown from Tyson Bagent in the second quarter. Is he somehow worse than Chase Claypool?

Wright continues to be arguably the Bears’ best offensive lineman this season, and he showed why on Sunday night. While he’s proven to hold his own against some top pass rushers, he’s been a solid run blocker, as evidenced by the team’s first touchdown. Wright cleared the way for Evans, who scored on an 11-yard run in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Whitehair has been one of the weak links on the offensive line this season — whether it’s at guard or center. The writing appears to be on the wall for Whitehair, who likely won’t be with the team next season. That was evident early when Whitehair was dominated at the point of attack by Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa, who sacked Bagent in the first quarter.

Kmet was Bagent’s most reliable weapon against the Chargers, logging double-digit receptions in the loss. Kmet had 10 catches for 79 yards on 10 targets. He contributed as a blocker on Evans’ first-half touchdown. Kmet also had what appeared to be a touchdown blown dead in the first half, as the refs said his forward progress was stopped.

Ngakoue has been invisible on this Bears defensive line, where he once again didn’t land in the boxscore against the Chargers. In the second half, Ngakoue did bring pressure on Herbert that forced an off-target throw. But he’s struggled getting home on quarterbacks this season, which is unacceptable for someone making $10 million this year.

The Bears might have an unimpressive passing attack, but Moore is more than willing to try to make something out of nothing. Moore was targeted just six times, catching four passes for 55 yards. But he continues to prove why he’s a dependable option for Chicago’s quarterbacks and a YAC machine.

So much for the HITS principle, because the Bears defense couldn’t tackle to save their lives on Sunday night, including rookie Tyrique Stevenson whiffing on a block that allowed a Donald Parham touchdown in the first half. It’s not exactly a good look for a team with a defensive-minded head coach. Speaking of…

We’ve seen this film before. The Bears record a rare victory and build some momentum heading into the next game only to look completely unprepared on the field the next week. There’s a reason why Chicago hasn’t won back-to-back games in the Matt Eberflus era. It starts with the head coach, and it’s clear he won’t be here beyond the 2023 season.