In an exciting Week 4 showdown, the Chicago Bears (2-2) finally broke their two-game losing streak with a thrilling 24-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams (1-3). The game was a true display of resilience and grit, as the Bears clawed their way back from a rough start, largely thanks to an impressive second-half performance. The defense stepped up, allowing only six points in the first half and generating a key takeaway that shifted the momentum in Chicago’s favor. Let's break down the key moments, highlight standout players, and dive into the studs and duds from this crucial win.
Turning Point: Montez Sweat’s Game-Changing Strip Sack
One of the most pivotal moments in the game came courtesy of defensive end Montez Sweat. Sweat has been a terror for opposing offenses all season, and he made his presence felt again against the Rams. With the Bears trailing, Sweat bulldozed through not one but two blockers—a wide receiver and a tight end—to get to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. The result? A strip sack that was recovered by cornerback Kyler Gordon, giving Chicago possession deep in Rams territory. This timely play set up a 1-yard touchdown by Roschon Johnson, giving the Bears their first lead of the game and sparking the second-half surge.
Sweat’s performance didn’t end there. He continued to disrupt the Rams’ offensive line, finishing the game with two tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup. His relentless pressure was a key factor in keeping the Rams’ offense in check and helped the Bears secure their second win of the season.
The Offense Finds Its Groove: D’Andre Swift Shines
While the defense played a significant role in securing the victory, the offense finally came alive, thanks in large part to running back D’Andre Swift. After a slow start to the season, Swift had his best game yet, racking up an impressive 165 scrimmage yards. He was a dual-threat weapon, dominating both on the ground and in the air. Swift's 16 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown, combined with his seven receptions for 72 yards, showcased his versatility and explosiveness.
The defining moment for Swift came in the fourth quarter when he broke free for a 36-yard touchdown run. This decisive score sealed the game for the Bears, and his 5.8 yards-per-carry average was a testament to his efficiency and big-play ability. Swift's breakout performance breathed life into an offense that had struggled in recent weeks, and it’s safe to say the Bears will lean on him heavily as the season progresses.
Caleb Williams Bounces Back
After a rough outing against the Colts in Week 3, where he threw three interceptions, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showed remarkable poise and maturity against the Rams. Although he faced some early struggles, including a couple of missed connections with wide receiver DJ Moore and an overthrow to Rome Odunze, Williams settled in as the game progressed.
Williams finished the game completing 17 of 23 passes for 157 yards, one touchdown, and, perhaps most importantly, no turnovers. His 74% completion rate and 106.6 passer rating were evidence of his growth and ability to bounce back after adversity. By taking what the defense gave him, utilizing short passes, and trusting his playmakers like Swift, Williams kept the offense moving and avoided the costly mistakes that had plagued him earlier in the season.
Special Teams Standout: Punter Tory Taylor
When it comes to unsung heroes, look no further than rookie punter Tory Taylor. The Bears used a fourth-round pick on Taylor, and his performance against the Rams showed why. Taylor was instrumental in flipping field position when the Bears needed it most. He punted five times for a total of 277 yards, averaging a staggering 55.4 yards per punt. Not only did he boom a 66-yarder with just two minutes left to pin the Rams deep in their own territory, but three of his punts landed inside the 20-yard line, effectively shutting down any chance of a Rams comeback.
Taylor’s ability to down the ball inside the 10-yard line on his final punt forced the Rams into a difficult position late in the game. His performance might not grab the headlines, but make no mistake—his contributions were critical to the Bears' victory.
Defensive Hero: Jaquan Brisker
Safety Jaquan Brisker had one of the most impactful games of his young career. The third-year player was everywhere on the field, showcasing his physicality and ball-hawking skills. While an early interception was nullified because he didn’t re-establish inbounds, Brisker made up for it in a big way with a game-sealing interception of Matthew Stafford on the Rams' final possession.
Brisker didn’t stop there. He led the Bears' defense with 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup, and a quarterback hit. His presence was felt in both the run and pass defense, and his ability to make plays in crucial moments helped ensure the Rams stayed out of the end zone until the final quarter.
First-Half Struggles: Offense Starts Slow
Despite the eventual victory, the Bears' offense had a sluggish start, particularly in the first half. The offensive line struggled to protect Williams, leading to uncomfortable pockets and several missed opportunities. On top of that, penalties were a major issue. At one point in the first half, the Bears had more penalty yards (40) than total offensive yards (31). These pre-snap penalties constantly put the offense behind the chains, making it difficult to establish any rhythm.
However, the second half told a completely different story. Thanks to a key turnover by the defense and a touchdown by Roschon Johnson, the Bears ended the first half on a high note, which set the tone for the rest of the game. The offense’s ability to rebound after such a difficult start is a testament to the team’s resilience.
Defensive Lows: Run Defense Continues to Struggle
One area where the Bears continue to struggle is run defense. For the second consecutive week, they allowed a 100-yard rusher—this time Rams running back Kyren Williams, who ran for 94 yards on 10 carries and added a touchdown. The Rams totaled 119 rushing yards overall, and while the Bears managed to contain Matthew Stafford for much of the game, the run defense remains a glaring weakness.
It’s clear that if the Bears want to continue their winning ways, they’ll need to shore up their run defense. Giving up large chunks of yardage on the ground has been a recurring theme, and teams will look to exploit that if Chicago doesn’t tighten things up.
Looking Ahead
The Bears' win over the Rams is a crucial step in the right direction as they now sit at 2-2. With standout performances from key players like Montez Sweat, D’Andre Swift, and Jaquan Brisker, there’s plenty of reason for optimism in Chicago. The offense found its rhythm in the second half, and Caleb Williams showed he can be the steady leader the team needs. However, there’s still work to be done, particularly on the defensive side of the ball when it comes to stopping the run.
If the Bears can build on this momentum and address their weaknesses, they have a real shot at turning their season around. With the talent they have on both sides of the ball, it’s only a matter of time before they start stringing together more wins. For now, though, this victory is a much-needed morale booster for a team that’s determined to make a statement this season.
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