Chicago Bears have more questions than answers after loss to OAK

After a meltdown in London against the Oakland Raiders, it’s clear that the Chicago Bears have more questions than answers.

Prior to Sunday, it was likely common knowledge that the Chicago Bears were the better team in London. Outside the quarterback position, the Bears clearly had the more complete roster overall. However, the Bears fell flat on their faces and now head into the bye week with more questions than answers.

For starters, the Bears should’ve never been down 17-0. Everyone probably wants to blame Chase Daniel, who does deserve some of the blame, however, the Bears have one of the best defensive units in the NFL and allowed the Oakland Raiders of all teams to punch them in the mouth.

And it wasn’t even close. The Bears played like a team that didn’t deserve to play. In the first half, the Bears allowed 4.5 yards per carry. The Raiders used a simple formula to beat the Bears: Win at the line of scrimmage and exploit the Bears weaknesses due to Akiem Hicks being out.

Not only did the Bears not have an answer for the Raiders running game, but the Bears offense failed to create any sort of spark in the first half. The Bears own running game was non-existent throughout the game with David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen getting just 15 touches combined for 35 total yards.

Then there’s the Bears offensive line, that allowed four sacks. All throughout 2019, the Bears offensive line has been problematic. There’s been multiple missed assignments, clear miscommunication, and just a lack of discipline.

Overall, the same problems that were existed for the Bears prior to the Raiders game still are not solved. As the NFL calendar turns to October, the contenders have started to separate themselves from the pretenders. The Bears? It’s hard, let’s just say they’re “pretending contenders” after a 3-2 start to the season.

There’s still a lot of football that’s left to be played. But things don’t get any easier. When the Bears return in week seven, a brutal three-game stretch will begin with the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers at home before traveling to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.

Heading into 2019, the biggest question on the Bears roster was whether or not quarterback Mitchell Trubisky would be able to take the next step. Even that remains to be seen. However, multiple new questions have arisen now that the Bears need to get figured out over the bye week in order to have a chance at making the playoffs in the NFC, especially in a conference that’s shaping up to have one of the more intriguing playoff races in recent memory.