Chicago Bears Score and Recap (Week 1): Bears 19, 49ers 10 – Bears Rally Late, Stun 49ers

The Bears began the 2022 season against the 49ers at a rain-soaked Soldier Field Sunday afternoon. What looked like another disappointing effort changed dramatically in the second half and Chicago took home a stunning victory.

San Francisco had a decided advantage in field position throughout the first half but Chicago’s defense was able to keep them off the board in the 1st quarter. Deebo Samuel finally put the road team ahead when he powered his way into the end zone for a 2nd quarter touchdown.

The Bears first-half offense was putrid amassing less than 100 total yards and quarterback Justin Fields threw for just 19 yards. Robbie Gould added a field goal early in the 3rd quarter and the 49ers 10-0 lead appeared insurmountable.

Then midway into the 3rd quarter Fields made an incredible individual effort to escape a sack, scramble, and throw to a wide open Dante Pettis for a 51-yard touchdown. The game which felt like it was already over immediately flipped on its head and the pressure piled up on San Francisco.

The Bears got the ball back and drove down the field again with the aid of a key unnecessary roughness penalty to set up another Justin Fields touchdown pass to Equanimeous St. Brown. The 18-yard score and a missed Cairo Santos extra point gave Chicago a 13-10 lead.

Trey Lance attempted a 4th quarter 49ers comeback in the downpour and his efforts were stymied by Eddie Jackson. The Bears safety returned to his previous ballhawking ways when he intercepted the young San Francisco quarterback and returned the ball deep into enemy territory.

Khalil Herbert punched in the insurance touchdown on the ensuing drive and a stunning upset was sealed. Chicago was able to take home the 19-10 victory. (Box score)

Why the Bears Won

The defense was outstanding to keep the 49ers from pulling away in the first half. Justin Fields struggled early but his dynamic play in the 3rd quarter turned the game around.

Key Moment

On that dramatic play, two 49ers defenders appeared to meet at Field’s feet for what looked like a sure sack. He was able to channel Russell Wilson, spinning away and throwing across his body to hit Pettis for the score. Very few NFL quarterbacks could create a play like that.

Stats That Matter

• Other than his two dynamic plays, Fields didn’t do very much Sunday throwing for just 121 yards and rushing for 28 more.
• The Bears only had 204 yards of total offense, they definitely made the most of the yards they got.
• The offensive line only allowed two sacks Sunday, of course having a quarterback that can escape the pocket certainly helped with that.

Bottom Line

I wish I could tell you that I saw this coming but I don’t think anybody expected it after the way the game began. The Bears defense looked very good and it should keep them in games this year. The big question is: Can Justin Fields create enough big plays to breathe some kind of life into a very undermanned offense? For this week at least, the answer was very much yes.

Next Up

Chicago heads north to take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. The 7:20pm CT start is airing on NBC.