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In a disheartening 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears found few positives as both teams moved to 3-2 on the season. The defeat was as deflating as they come, with the Bears failing to capitalize on their pregame momentum and expert backing, instead collapsing on both offense and defense.
Identifying the few winners was far simpler than sorting through the many losers from this game. Which players stood out for better or worse?
Loser: Tyson Bagent
Green Bay's defense, which had struggled all year, delivered its best showing against Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. After a promising outing against the Jets (despite some turnover-worthy throws), Bagent looked overwhelmed in a hostile environment. He threw two interceptions, the first a forced pass into double coverage to Luther Burden III while ignoring a wide-open Colston Loveland, and the second a blatant miss of a defender in the passing lane. Bagent was benched in the fourth quarter for Case Keenum, damaging his trade value for potential draft picks.
Winner: Austin Booker
Austin Booker was Chicago's defensive standout, sacking Jordan Love twice in three plays to close the first half and pressuring him repeatedly. Green Bay's patchwork offensive line couldn't contain him. Booker now has four sacks in five games, showing a significant third-year leap, and his performance was arguably the only bright spot of the day.
Loser: Rome Odunze
Rome Odunze, coming off a career-best game, failed to build on it. He dropped a third-down pass in the second quarter (a tough but catchable ball) and fumbled in the fourth. Odunze's fumble was one of five turnovers, and while the entire offense struggled, he had a chance to stem the tide but literally let it slip away.
Winner: Zavion Thomas
Rookie receiver Zavion Thomas finally showed promise in the return game, nearly breaking a touchdown in the fourth quarter before being tackled after a 61-yard gain. It took six kick returns to get him going, but his 11-yard end-around and 11-yard reception added to his contributions. Standing out as a winner didn't take much on this day.
Loser: Jaylon Johnson
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson continued his rough season, possibly delivering the worst performance of his career. He was run over on Green Bay's second touchdown and then gave up back-to-back big plays in the third quarter. The first, a 40+ yard gain, was negated by offensive pass interference, but Johnson was still beaten by undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant. The next play, Christian Watson torched him for a 53-yard touchdown. Johnson could be a cut candidate if his struggles persist.
Winner: D'Andre Swift
D'Andre Swift was the lone offensive bright spot, bouncing back from a poor game against the Jets with nine carries for 43 yards and Chicago's only touchdown. There was a clear difference between him and backup Roschon Johnson, who managed just six yards on five carries and consistently missed open lanes. Swift, meanwhile, showed explosiveness whenever given space.
Loser: Dennis Allen
Green Bay didn't need a running game, as Jordan Love picked apart Dennis Allen's defense all over the field. After a strong season, Allen's unit had its worst game, with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur winning the schematic battle. The Bears will look to rebound next week against Atlanta.