A week after blowing a lead of more than 10 points in the fourth quarter, the Chicago Bears (6-9) won the game against the Arizona Cardinals (3-12) 27-16 on Sunday at Soldier Field complete for the fans.
The Bears doubled their wins from last season and there were definitely things to love about them in this win. Quarterback Justin Fields had one of his better games of the season, even after losing standouts DJ Moore and Cole Kmet to injuries; The Bears defense took care of business and running back Khalil Herbert led a dominant Chicago rushing attack for 250 total yards.
It's not a win that will significantly change the mood, although the Bears are still not eliminated from postseason contention. But this was a must-win game for Chicago, especially after jumping out to a big lead and starting slowly in the third quarter. Matt Eberflus couldn't afford to blow consecutive leads.
We take a look at the facts from the Bears' Week 16 win over the Cardinals.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 24: Khalil Herbert #24 of the Chicago Bears runs to score a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on December 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
With D'Onta Foreman absent for personal reasons, it was Khalil Herbert who took over the running game with his best performance of the season. Herbert led Chicago's rushing attack for a total of 250 yards, having 20 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 5.6 yards per carry and was key to the offense's success. It served as a reminder that while Foreman was solid for the Bears, Herbert still has it.
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) rolls out before throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field during the first half. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Even if the final stats don't show it, Justin Fields had a solid outing against the Cardinals. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception, as well as nine carries for 97 yards and a score. Not to mention, Fields played well without his two best weapons, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet, who sustained injuries during the game. When Moore returned, he was no longer his usual self. Fields continues to make things difficult for GM Ryan Poles in these final games as he has an important decision to make at quarterback this offseason.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 24: Kyler Gordon #6 of the Chicago Bears sacks Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at Soldier Field on December 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Kyler Gordon had a dominant performance against the Cardinals, where he did it all, be it in coverage or pressuring the quarterback. Gordon recorded a team-best seven tackles, including a tackle for loss, a sack, a pass breakup and a QB hit. It was probably his best game of the season and he continues to show promise in his second season.
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) catches a 29-yard pass for the first score in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Cole Kmet has been an invaluable addition to the Bears' passing game this season, and he had a monster game before suffering a knee injury early in the third quarter that sidelined him for an extended period of time. Despite missing most of the second half, Kmet led Chicago with four catches for 107 yards, including an impressive 53-yard grab. Luckily, the Bears were able to extend his contract before his career season. After the game, Matt Eberflus said Kmet's knee injury “looks positive,” but Chicago will have to wait and see tomorrow.
August 27, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears punter Trenton Gill (16) spins the ball on his finger during warmups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
It wasn't a great season for Trenton Gill, but the second-year punter had his best performance of the season against the Cardinals. Gill had five punts for 260 yards, an average of 52 yards per punt. This included a length of 76 yards. Gill also threw two punts inside the 20-yard line.
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) drops a pass while being defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Terell Smith (32) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback Terell Smith saw some opportunities against the Cardinals, where he split time with fellow rookie Tyrique Stevenson. Smith had a solid performance for Chicago, where he totaled three tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass breakups, splitting reps with Stevenson.
Dec 24, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) stretches on the sideline during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
It's not fair to DJ Moore that he ended up on this list considering he was injured on his first reception of the day in the opening series. Moore suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for a while before he fought back and stayed in the game. But it was clear he was limited by the injury, as he only caught two more passes the rest of the game, finishing with three catches for 18 yards on six scores.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
If there was one player who benefited from Moore's absence – and later Cole Kmet's – it's Darnell Mooney, who hasn't been in contact with Justin Fields all season. Mooney saw increased playing time. Mooney continues to play no role in the offense, and it's clear the two sides are parting ways after his rookie contract expires at the end of the season.