There was no Lamar Jackson on the field for the Baltimore Ravens. This was a huge chance for Caleb Williams to take a big step toward the NFL playoffs. He failed. The Ravens still managed to put together a good offensive performance. The Bears did not. They gift-wrapped a must-win game to the desperate Ravens, who were previously 1-5. Many expected this game to be chalked up as a loss for the Bears, but with no Lamar, it feels like a missed opportunity.

No run game

The Bears’ offense reverted to its struggles in the first two weeks of the season. The Bears’ run game lost its spark. Swift led the Bears with 45 yards rushing on 4.1 yards per carry, not nearly as successful as the last two weeks. The run game was not the only struggle for the Bears’ offense, though.

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Caleb Williams continues to struggle

Caleb Williams had yet another down game. Caleb looked just like he did last season as a rookie, holding onto the ball too long, trying to make things happen when there is a wide-open target running free.

The loss does not fall solely on Caleb Williams’ shoulders, but this is not a game the Bears could afford to have their most important player not at his best. Had Caleb played better, the Bears would have won this game comfortably. The Bears essentially lost this game in the first quarter when, instead of going up 14-0, they went up 6-0 with two field goals in the red zone.

Bears must expect — and get — more

It would not be fair at all to say it is time to bench Caleb Williams and look towards backup quarterback Tyson Bagent. It is fair, however, to be concerned with Caleb Williams’ play up to this point. At some point things have to start clicking. As tough as it is to admit it, Tyler Huntley, the Ravens ‘ third-string quarterback, was the best quarterback on the field in this game.

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Bears’ injuries matter, but Caleb needs to pick up teammates

The Bears’ injuries are continuing to be a factor; they need their franchise quarterback to start winning games, just like we have seen Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Drake Maye all do so far. Injuries matter, but that’s when a quarterback has to pick up his teammates.

As banged up as the defense is, they gave the Bears’ offense many times to score and capitalize. The Bears’ offense did the defense no favors in return. When this defense isn’t getting turnovers, it is evident that it’s very vulnerable. Especially when Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson are all out.

Next three games

The Bears’ next three games will be three get-right games. If the Bears can go on a run and win the next three, all hope will be restored in Chicago. If the Bears struggle and Caleb continues to play badly, everybody in Chicago will be hitting the panic button on Caleb.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Chicago Bears miss chance to move to 5-2, fall to desperate Ravens