It was a game the Bears had to win. The Panthers have been so bad this season it would’ve surely signalled the beginning of the end for head coach Matt Eberflus if this game had ended badly.
But what did we learn about the Bears on Thursday night? Let’s take a look at our three takeaways.
THE BEARS D GOT PRESSURE
Say what you will about the logic of trading for Montez Sweat, the Bears defence is now a lot more potent. It got 17 (SEVENTEEN) pressures on Bryce Young on 44 drop backs. Yes it’s the Panthers, and they are bad, especially along the OL, but that’s an incredible performance.
The Bears allowed only 213 yards on the night, and didn’t concede any touchdowns. It’s been a season light of highlights but the defence on this night was definitely one.
THE BEARS NEED JUSTIN FIELDS
Justin Fields needs to be back sooner rather than later. Not just because Bagent isn’t the answer (obviously), completing 20/33 for 162 yards was enough, but not good. But mostly because Chicago needs to use the picks they have to put talent around the QB rather than looking to replace the QB.
And to know for sure if that’s Fields we need to see him play some ball. Fields has been improved as a passer this season, mostly, in patches. But we need to see it for longer to be sure, and for the Bears to know whether to pick up that fifth year option.
THE BEARS HAVE A LOT OF NEEDS
The good thing about the Sweat trade is that the D looks stronger already. But this offense lacks OL, WR’s and defensive backs. It needs help, and the draft’s the way to build that.
I don’t want those high-priced free agents who will play lazy once they get that big contract. Let’s use those picks and go add some real players.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 12 | 21 |
| Passing 1st downs | 6 | 10 |
| Rushing 1st downs | 4 | 10 |
| 1st downs from penalties | 2 | 1 |
| 3rd down efficiency | 3-15 | 6-15 |
| 4th down efficiency | 3-3 | 1-1 |
| Total Plays | 57 | 70 |
| Total Yards | 213 | 295 |
| Total Drives | 9 | 11 |
| Yards per Play | 3.7 | 4.2 |
| Passing | 170 | 162 |
| Comp-Att | 21-38 | 20-33 |
| Yards per pass | 4.1 | 4.9 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 0 |
| Sacks-Yards Lost | 3-15 | 0-0 |
| Rushing | 43 | 133 |
| Rushing Attempts | 16 | 37 |
| Yards per rush | 2.7 | 3.6 |
| Red Zone (Made-Att) | 0-1 | 1-2 |
| Penalties | 5-45 | 7-44 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Fumbles lost | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions thrown | 0 | 0 |
| Defensive / Special Teams TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Possession | 26:29 | 33:31 |
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