Despite a valiant effort for a comeback in the second half, the Chicago Bears were one or two drives too late. They move to a dismal 2-9 record.

The Chicago Bears drew first blood when quarterback Matt Barkley and tight end Daniel Brown both got their first NFL career touchdown. But reminiscent to past games, a decent start by the Bears was short lived. Mariota and the Titans’ offense answered back with, not one, but two consecutive scores to take the lead early in the first half. The Bears’ defense looked to be in rare form: they allowed 21 points in the first half and had a few costly penalties. Chicago went into the locker room at halftime down 21-7.

The Bears showed a little life at the beginning of the second half by recovering a surprise onside-kick. That drive ended in a interception thrown in the endzone by Matt Barkley to Meredith. Barkely never gave up though, as his will to win kicked in in the second half. He threw over 30 passes in the final two quarters. Unfortunately, the Bears came up short as three receivers all dropped potentially game-winning touchdown passes that hit them in between the numbers. The Bears lose at home 27-21 and their record continues to decline.

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MVP

In his very first NFL start, Matt Barkley put the team on his back. He rallied off a very impressive second half to try and comeback from a 20 point deficit. Barkley threw two interceptions, but didn’t let that get to him. His confidence built up each quarter of the game, as he threw over 50 passes for a total of 316 yards and 3 touchdowns. Barkley stood out in this game as leader of the team but unfortunately the Bears receivers couldn’t catch good footballs. Barkley showed a never-say-die attitude and is this week’s Most Valuable Player.

LVP

The Chicago Bears’ defense earns this award this week. I could count on one hand how many times Mariota was under pressure, let alone touched. Allowing long completions and arm tackles appeared to be the game plan for the defense. The defense has been playing solid ball all season long, but I guess they took the day off. The Bears defense tightened it up in the second half; they only allowed field goals. The problem though, is they only forced the Titans to punt FOUR times through out the entire game. The defense turned the pressure on a little too late in this one. I guess there’s always next week.

Stat of the game

Matt Barkley: 28/54 for 316 and three TDs, Marquess Wilson: eight catches for 125 yards and one TD, Jordan Howard 18 carries for 84 yards

Play of the game

Matt Barkley’s six-yard touchdown pass to Deonte Thompson to bring the Bears within one score late in the fourth quarter.

What’s Next

San Francisco 49ers @ Chicago Bears

Soldier Field

Sunday, December 4, 2016

12:00 pm CT

TV: Fox

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