It was a tough outing for the Chicago Bears Sunday night. Their divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers, blew past them in a 27-10 victory. After taking an early 7-3, the Bears couldn't keep the momentum and were ultimately out-coached and out-skilled by a Packers team that continues to haunt the franchise.
There were some good performances by Bears players despite the loss, and there were a few guys who probably don't want to re-watch the game film after their poor showing. We'll take a look into which Bears players shined and which guys need to step up and get better against the Houston Texans in Week 3. Here are the Chicago Bears' studs and duds from Week 2.
Stud: David Montgomery
After struggling to get anything going in the rain in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, Bears running back David Montgomery bounced back to help the offense move the ball on the ground against a tough Packers defense Sunday night. He rushed 15 times for 122 yards while adding a pair of receptions for 14 receiving yards.
Considering that the offense failed to get much going in terms of passing, seeing Montgomery perform as well as he did was encouraging.
Many fans were speculating whether second-year back Khalil Herbert would steal the carries from Montgomery after the opener. For now, it seems like Montgomery is the team's clear starting running back and the centerpiece of the offense.
Stud: Trevis Gipson
It was certainly difficult to watch the Packers' offense run all over the Bears' defense. Chicago's poor run defense overshadowed the stellar game that edge rusher Trevis Gipson had. The third-year pro had a pair of sacks in the first-half, stalling the Packers offense on two separate occasions.
After seeing players like Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks depart in free agency, it's encouraging to see a rising star like Gipson perform well, especially against Aaron Rodgers. The Bears pass rush will continue to rely on the explosiveness and motor that Gipson brings if they want to be an effective unit all season.
Dud: Kyler Gordon
It was a rough game for the former Washington cornerback, who was picked on early and often in this game. He ended up allowing 10 catches on 13 targets for 162 yards and two scores.
These moments can put a player down, but Gordon is using this game as a learning experience moving forward.
“Really, it’s more the mental side of the game, the battles, and knowing and positioning myself in a better way to make the play. That’s what I’ll be ready for next time," said Gordon, via NBC Sports Chicago.
The Bears have been using Gordon as both a nickel and outside cornerback, so there's a huge amount for the rookie to learn. Combining that with him missing time in the preseason due to injuries, and it can be justified that the rookie has his work cut out for him.
Dud: Justin Fields
There were a few other honorable mentions that could've made this week's list, but ultimately it's Fields who was chosen. The second-year quarterback had a look of panic at Lambeau Field on Sunday night, as he only managed to complete seven of 11 passes for 70 yards and an interception. He did manage 20 yards rushing and a touchdown, which is at least encouraging.
Fields' biggest issues are his pocket presence and processing time right now. He holds onto the ball too long, which is something Bears coaches continue working on with him. He had an embarrassing penalty in the game, too, when he threw the ball about two yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
Ultimately, this game is one for Fields to flush and move on from.
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