Week 8 SNF Recap

Written by: William Petersen •

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Week 8 SNF

A battle of two basement dweller teams found its way onto the week 8 Sunday Night Football matchup as the 2-5 Chicago Bears ventured to Sofi Stadium for a battle with the 2-4 Los Angeles Chargers. LA came into this primetime matchup looking to avenge a tough 31-17 loss to the Chiefs on the road last week by coming out of the gates fast. The Chargers game plan was set in motion early as quarterback Justin Herbert led the Chargers to score three touchdowns and a field goal on their first four drives of the game. Herbert played with a wrapped left middle finger but still managed to go 31/40 for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns. Chicago’s play continues to reflect their lackluster record after going into halftime down 24-7 and eventually losing 30-13. Division two rookie Tyson Bagent started his first career road game finishing 25/37 for 232 yards, 1 rushing TD, and 2 interceptions. Bagent looked the role of a rookie QB in his first away start, but Chicago’s inability to run the ball effectively did not create a conducive throwing environment for Bagent and his receiving core.

The Chicago Bears continue to have a rough season, now falling to 2-6 after another frustrating game from the offense. Rookie Tyson Bagent played as good of a game as any rookie QB would play with an offense that can run the ball more than 2.9 yards per carry. Chicago’s rushing attack was little to none after D’Onta Foreman had 3 total touchdowns to beat the Raiders by 18 in week 7. The Bears tried to establish the run early but were met by a stout Chargers front five that were keen on forcing Bagent to throw more than he would have liked. Bagent also found himself having to make long second and third down throws due to the inability to create manageable downs from lack of rushing offense. The one positive that can be found in the Bears offense this evening is that TE Cole Kmet hauled in 10 receptions for 79 yards on all 10 targets that were thrown his way. Chicago will continue to be a basement dweller team and potentially a top three pick in the NFL Draft as they go to the bayou for a date with the 4-4 New Orleans Saints.

Justin Herbert was due for the game that he had tonight after a poor performance against division rivals Kansas City. Herbert looked calm and collected all night and was able to make the throws the league has grown accustomed to seeing him make. No turnovers and three touchdowns passes were accompanied by Austin Ekeler having a return to form game as well, 15 carries for 29 yards with 7 catches for 94 yards and a TD. Ekeler’s lack of production on the ground was counterbalanced by his explosive YAC plays, his longest being his touchdown reception that went for 61 yards. Ekeler continues to be one of the best swiss army knife type backs in the NFL even though he is 28. The Chargers defense also stepped up, only allowing Chicago to rush for 73 yards. LAC will look to take this momentum into week 9 as they travel to the Meadowlands to face off with the scrappy 4-3 New York Jets.

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