Chicago Bears Score and Recap (Week 8): Ravens 30, Bears 16 – Baltimore’s Backup QB Snaps Winning Streak

The Bears felt pretty good about their chances for a fifth consecutive win after the Ravens announced former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson would miss the game. Unfortunately for Chicago, backup QB Tyler Huntley came to play Sunday and led his team to a victory with a big assist from the defense.

Caleb Williams and the Bears offense had an impressive drive to open the game spanning 13 plays and taking over eight minutes off the clock but it stalled out in the red zone with Cairo Santos kicking a 32-yard field goal. Another long possession ended with a Santos FG and the road team was ahead 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Ravens responded with a long drive to begin the second quarter and they were more successful in the red zone with Derrick Henry scoring a 2-yard touchdown to take the lead 7-6. Chicago then went three and out, giving the ball right back to John Harbaugh’s squad, who increased the margin with a 42-yard field goal from Tyler Loop that made it 10-6 at the half.

Baltimore dominated the third quarter but only managed two more Loop field goals to increase their advantage to 16-6. The Bears responded with their only touchdown of the afternoon on a 1-yard run by D’Andre Swift to get within 16-13 at the start of the fourth quarter.

Chicago got the ball back deep in their own territory and Williams threw a backbreaking interception to cornerback Nate Wiggins that gave the Ravens an instant red zone opportunity. The home team immediately cashed in the chance when Huntley hit tight end Charlie Kolar on a 10-yard touchdown pass to make the score 23-13.

Santos connected on a 47-yard field goal to get the Bears back within one possession but Baltimore put the game on ice with Henry’s second rushing touchdown as they won 30-16. (Box score)

Why the Bears Lost

They did not create any turnovers and only scored one touchdown in four trips to the red zone.

Key Moment

The failure to score a touchdown in the first quarter definitely hurt but the Williams interception was a killer. The Bears would never be within three points again after the Ravens converted it into six.

Stats That Matter

• Williams threw for 286 yards but he just could not make the big play down by the end zone.
• Wide receiver Rome Odunze had seven catches for 114 yards.

Bottom Line

The Bears still have a long way to go before they can be consistently good, in particular their young quarterback. Injuries are really starting to take a toll on the defense and without turnovers they just can’t hold off the opposition. This is a big moment for Chicago, who completely imploded last season, losing 10 in a row after opening 4-2. Is this a different team or is there going to be more of the same?

Next Up

Chicago stays on the road in the AFC North Week 9 against Joe Flacco and the Bengals in Cincinnati next Sunday at 12:00pm CT on CBS.