The turf of Metlife Stadium claimed its latest victims, the Chicago Bears, who were already shorthanded, to begin with, notably at quarterback.
Before the kickoff of an eventual 31-10 loss to the New York Jets, Trevor Siemian, scheduled to start in place of an injured Justin Fields, suffered an oblique injury, which brought up the possibility of Nathan Peterman taking the snaps.
Eventually, Siemian played, and his opponent was the once-folk hero Mike White. In the end, the Bears, the dreadful mess they are, succumbed to their opponents, who look like they are postseason bound, which would be the first since 2010.
Siemian completed 14 of 25 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown pass to Byron Pringle, with an interception to Jets linebacker CJ Mosely. In contrast, White flashed his 2021 form against Cincinnati, going for 315 yards and three touchdowns while taking over a benched Zach Wilson.
Broadway Mike was on full display, as was rookie Garrett Wilson, whose 95 yards and two scores on a dreadful turf field in rainy, sloppy conditions were a sight to see. The same couldn’t be said for the Bears, who were hurt, limping, and coming off the field in pain multiple times.
The Chicago Bears are continuing to lose, but this year only focuses on the development of building blocks.
Defensive captain Eddie Jackson suffered a lower leg injury and could be out for a long time. Wide receivers Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool were also limping multiple times, calling for, once again, the outcry of turf fields.
There’s not enough talent on this roster to expect wins. But the Chicago Bears need to understand that this year is about finding what players will stick around beyond this season and who will need their walking papers come season’s end. Some have stood out even in the face of adversity.
Having said that, it was an abysmal and drenching performance, and the New York Jets are just a better team with their talent. However, all is not lost. The offseason looks suitable for the Bears, but general manager Ryan Poles needs to draft and spend wisely to ensure that the Bears don’t become a flash in the pan for one year and become a more consistent team.
That starts with fortifying the trenches on both sides of the ball; else, Fields will continue not to develop, and opposing quarterbacks will continue to have field days, just like what Mike White had in a rainstorm.