In beating the NFC North-leading Lions 28-13 on Sunday, the Bears handled their business in every aspect — a rarity over the last five seasons. That’s a nice start to the home stretch of the season, but they can’t be content with that. Here are three takeaways from the victory:
Eberflus fixed the defense
There has been enough evidence for a long enough time to credit coach Matt Eberflus — as well as general manager Ryan Poles for moves such as trading for defensive end Montez Sweat — for righting a defense that was the NFL’s worst last season. There’s still work to do, but the Bears are reliable and respectable. Only the Ravens have held the Lions to fewer points this season.
Something to talk about
Justin Fields played well enough to keep himself in the conversation for franchise quarterback, but he’ll need more emphatic evidence going forward. He has had other games that looked like breakthroughs at the moment, then felt empty when he fell flat in the next game. The Browns game next Sunday will be incredibly important for him.
Mostly good Getsy
Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, whose job is on the line as much as anyone’s, made a lot of good calls. DJ Moore’s touchdown run was a bright spot, and the Bears looked very well-coached on the free-play touchdown pass to Moore. He also was more aggressive at the end than he was when the Bears unraveled against the Lions last month. But that fourth-and-one pitch to Moore was a bad idea all around.
