Making the grade: Assessing the Bears players and coaches in the loss to the Cardinals

QUARTERBACK: C

For the second year in a row, Caleb Williams had to do far too much himself. He threw a 44-yard pass to a wide-open Rome Odunze in the second quarter, but that was a rare instance of a downfield receiver being open at all. With the Bears unable to withstand the mounting pressure, Williams was sacked six times and wasn't much better than last week – 22 of 41 for 217 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions for a 68.9 passer rating.

DEFENSE LINE: D

The absence of injured defensive end Montez Sweat seemed to hurt the Bears' pass rush, but it was their run defense that collapsed without their star. The Cardinals rushed for 213 yards on 34 carries (6.3 average), including a disastrous 53-yard touchdown by backup Emari Demercado with four seconds left in the half. Chris Williams and Jacob Martin had sacks. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings left with a pectoral injury in the third quarter and did not return.

SECONDARY: D

Cornerback Terell Smith started for Tyrique Stevenson and had a pass breakup that forced a punt on the first series, but suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. Stevenson (seven tackles) returned for the third series and had a pass breakup in the end zone. Reddy Steward – just promoted from the practice squad – forced a fumble by Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. while Elijah Hicks (seven tackles) recovered. But Jaylon Johnson and Hicks were among several helpless defenders on Demercado's stunning 53-yard touchdown at the end of the first half.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C

Cairo Santos made three of three field goals, including two from 53 yards, but that was a rare highlight. The Bears allowed Greg Dortch's 27-yard punt return, which set up a short field for the Cardinals at the Bears' 41st yard. Gervon Dexter was called for a rare leverage penalty after a made field goal that led to a Cardinals touchdown.

COACHING: F

After clumsily navigating a difficult week following a loss to the Commanders, the undermanned Bears had a chance to make amends with a solid performance against a beatable opponent, but fell short in all three phases. And for a team that values ​​responding to adversity, the Bears didn't do that either – they faltered on offense and defense after falling behind. Overall, a bigger step backwards than last week.

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From Jason Lieser

A week after being surprised by a Hail Mary touchdown pass, the Bears' defense suffered another inexplicable mistake – allowing Cardinals backup running back Emari Demercado to score 53 with four seconds left in the first half -yard touchdown rush past them.

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