The Chicago Bears were coming off putting up one of the most impressive offensive performances in NFL history in Week 1. While putting up 59 points per game was obviously unsustainable, not many people saw them dropping just three in the following game.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores deserves his flowers — no pun intended — for his adjustments and how his blitz-heavy defense smothered Ben Johnson's offense. Ultimately, every single thing that could've gone wrong went wrong in this one.
That said, it's still early in the season, and there's always a beacon of hope, even in dark days. Considering that, let's talk about the six main standouts from this game, although some for the wrong reasons.
6 Bears standouts from Week 2, for better or worse
Winner: Malik Muhammad
For the second consecutive game, rookie CB Malik Muhammad has looked like an NFL-ready steal. The Bears' ailing secondary needed someone who could hold his own in the slot and outside, and they've found it in this fourth-round selection.
Muhammad was solid in the blitz and even managed to record his first career sack. All in all, he finished the game with three tackles (including one for loss) and one quarterback hit. Even when (if) Kyler Gordon returns, the Bears must keep him on the field.
Loser: Colston Loveland
While it's still way too early to be worried about Colston Loveland, this was his second no-show in a row. Of course, he contributed as a blocker and whatnot, but there have been no signs of the projected breakout season.
Loveland secured his first reception of the season, but he had just one grab on three targets for three receiving yards. At least, rookie TE Sam Roush had some ugly drops, so his spot in the pecking order remains safe.
Winner: Dillon Thieneman
Not coincidentally, another rookie defensive back makes this list. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was under the scope, but he really got in his bag in this one. Notably, Thieneman had plenty to do with holding the Vikings to nine points and 246 total yards.
The rookie safety finished the game tied for the most tackles on the team (seven) and one pass breakup. He made a huge play on the ball to prevent an easy Justin Jefferson touchdown on the first drive of the game, and he made a big impact against the run.
Loser: Braxton Jones
The offensive line struggled as a whole, but Braxton Jones was certainly its weakest link. The Bears gave up four sacks, with Jones constantly looking overwhelmed and even drawing two head-scratching penalties.
At least he's still ahead of Theo Benedet, but not for long. He may not hold onto the starting left tackle spot for much longer, as Ozzy Trapilo finally practiced without limitations this week, and these performances won't do much to help his case.
Winner: Kalif Raymond
It seemed that Kalif Raymond would have a secondary role in this offense or maybe do the bulk of the work on special teams. After two weeks, we can safely assure that's not the case; he arrived in Chicago to make some plays.
Raymond followed his strong Week 1 performance with another solid outing, especially given the circumstances. He finished the game tied for the most receptions (5) and had the second most targets (5) for 40 yards.
Loser: Caleb Williams
Even before the hamstring injury (Bears dodged a massive bullet there), it had been a sloppy performance by Caleb Williams. He threw an interception and never got the offense into a rhythm before Tyson Bagent replaced him.
Williams completed just 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards and one pick, also taking three sacks and running for his life on every dropback. To add insult to injury, he might have to miss Week 3 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles.
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