Bears currently hold top 2 picks in 2024 NFL draft

There was one silver lining for Bears fans on an otherwise demoralizing day.

The Chicago Bears choked away a 21-point lead in a loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, which dropped them to 0-4 on the season. It also marked their 14th consecutive loss dating back to last year.

It was a heartbreaking end to what was a promising start, where quarterback Justin Fields had a perfect first half and had career highs in passing yards (335) and passing touchdowns (4).

But if there’s a positive to be found in the devastating defeat, it’s that the Bears currently hold the top two picks in the 2024 NFL draft, according to Tankathon,

There are just two winless teams left in the league — the Bears and Carolina Panthers. Luckily for Chicago, they own Carolina’s first-round selection in 2024.

Technically, the Bears hold the No. 1 pick while the Panthers own the No. 2 pick. But it doesn’t matter, they’re both Chicago’s selections — at least through Week 4.

There’s still plenty of season left, but the Bears continue to spiral and it’s clear changes are on the way — whether it’s in-season or after the season.

If general manager Ryan Poles is still in place — and Chicago holds the top pick — he could very well use it to draft his quarterback if he opts to move on from Fields.

Why Bears WR Chase Claypool wasn’t at Soldier Field vs. Broncos

Bears WR Chase Claypool was a healthy scratch against the Broncos, and he noticeably absent on the sideline. Here’s why:

Chicago Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool was a hot topic during Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos — and he didn’t even see the field.

Claypool was a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the Broncos, a move that came after Claypool’s comments to the media this week, where he questioned whether the coaching staff was putting him in the best position to succeed.

But unlike the other inactive and injured players, Claypool wasn’t present at Soldier Field for the game, which raised suspicions about his future in Chicago. Especially after a report indicated the Bears are shopping Claypool.

Head coach Matt Eberflus originally told reporters after Sunday’s loss that it was Claypool’s decision not to be at Soldier Field for Sunday’s game. But a Bears official later clarified to reporters that Claypool was asked to stay home by the team.

Quarterback Justin Fields told reporters he found out Claypool was going to be inactive during a team meeting on Saturday, and there wasn’t a reason provided by the coaching staff.

Fields was asked if he still wanted Claypool on the team.

“Do I want him on this team? Of course,” Fields said. “Chase, he’s a weapon. He’s passionate. He just has to work on his display of his emotions. Me and him have had multiple conversations with that.”

Bears vs. Broncos: Everything we know about Chicago’s Week 4 loss

The Bears choked away a 21-point lead as they fell to 0-4 on the season. Here’s everything we know about their Week 4 loss to the Broncos.

The Chicago Bears had it. They had their first win of the season within reach against the winless Denver Broncos.  But in true Bears fashion, they choked away the game to fall to 0-4 on the season (their 14th consecutive loss).

The game seemed put away after an impressive first half, where the team held a 28-7 lead in the third quarter. The fans were destined to celebrate a career day for quarterback Justin Fields that saw him set a franchise record for consecutive completions.

But, in a flash, Chicago was down 31-28, and Fields threw a demoralizing interception that sealed the win for the Broncos.

While emotions are high and the game is fresh in our minds, let’s break down  everything we know about the Bears’ Week 4 loss to the Broncos.

Studs and duds from Bears’ brutal loss vs. Broncos in Week 4

The Bears choked away a 21-point lead in a loss to the Broncos. Here are the studs and duds from the Week 4 defeat.

The Chicago Bears were defeated by the Denver Broncos, 31-28, in a Week 4 game that marked their 14th consecutive loss dating back to last season.

Chicago choked away a 21-point second-half lead as Denver scored 24 unanswered points en route to the victory. That blown lead tied for the largest blown lead in franchise history (2002 vs. the Patriots, 1953 vs. the 49ers), per ESPN Stats and Info.

Penalties, poor coaching and poor execution doomed the Bears. As did two Justin Fields turnovers on the offense’s final two series.

We’re taking a look at the studs and duds from the Bears’ Week 4 loss to the Broncos.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 31-28 loss vs. Broncos in Week 4

The Bears blew a 21-point lead to the Broncos, losing their 14th straight game. We break down Chicago’s Week 4 loss:

When people talk about a game of two halves, the Chicago Bears’ heartbreaking 31-28 loss to the Denver Broncos is precisely what they mean.

A promising start, yet a disappointing finish. The Bears showcased their potential and their issues in this game. Chicago has now lost 14 consecutive games dating back to last season, and there appears to be no end in sight.

Let’s dissect the highs, lows, and heartbreak of the Bears’ Week 4 loss.

Bears fans are inconsolable after their shocking loss vs. Broncos

Bears fans are going through it on social media after their crushing loss to the Broncos.

There is no rock bottom for the Chicago Bears. There is only a pit of despair that is never-ending. The Bears suffered perhaps their worst loss in franchise history when they blew a 21-point lead to the Denver Broncos, losing 31-28 to remain winless at 0-4.

This game was all Bears for the first three quarters. Chicago was up 28-7 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, but allowed the Broncos back in the game with soft defense, costly turnovers, and a coaching decision that deserves to be enshrined in the Hall of Shame. On 4th and short just outside of the red zone with the game tied, the Bears opted to go for the kill instead of taking the field goal and burned a timeout in the process. They were stopped short, and Denver responded with a field goal to take the lead. Justin Fields’ lone interception of the game on the final drive sealed the game.

All of this happened despite Fields throwing four touchdowns, three of which came in the first half. But what should have been an easy win is now a crushing loss that has fans wondering how head coach Matt Eberflus keeps his job going forward.

Here is what Bears fans are saying on social media following the loss.

Twitter reacts to Bears QB Justin Fields’ perfect first half vs. Broncos

Bears QB Justin Fields was perfect in the first half against the Broncos. Here’s how Twitter reacted.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields was perfect — literally — in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Broncos.

Fields completed 16-of-17 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns for a perfect 158.3 passer rating. Fields’ only incompletion was on a Hail Mary attempt.

Fields broke an all-time Bears record for most consecutive completions with 16. That surpassed the previous record set by Shane Matthews, who had 15 against the Patriots on Dec. 10, 2000.

Here’s how NFL fans reacted to Fields’ impressive first-half performance against the Broncos:

Bears explode in the 1st half with 3 TDs vs. Broncos

Justin Fields and the Bears offense could not be stopped in the first half against the Denver Broncos.

It took four long weeks, but the Chicago Bears offense finally arrived in a big way against the Denver Broncos. The Bears took it to Denver’s defense thanks to a near-perfect first half from quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears scored three touchdowns against the Broncos defense, a unit that allowed 70 points to the Miami Dolphins one week ago, to lead 21-7 at the half.

Fields was sensational, completing 16-of-17 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns with a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3. His lone incompletion was on a Hail Mary to end the half. He’s easily on his way to having the best game of his career by a wide margin. Fields and the offense have 265 yards at halftime, already totaling more yards than their last two games.

The Bears got their scoring thanks to big plays from wide receivers D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney, tight end Cole Kmet, and clutch runs from running back Khalil Herbert. Here are all three touchdowns from the first half.

Report: Bears looking to trade WR Chase Claypool

The Bears are looking to trade Chase Claypool, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

The Chicago Bears are exploring a trade for wide receiver Chase Claypool, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Per Schultz, Chicago is asking for a fifth- or sixth-round pick in return for Claypool.

“GM Ryan Poles has been actively calling teams he believes are in the market for a receiver,” Schultz wrote.

Claypool is a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. The move comes after Claypool’s comments to the media this week, where he questioned whether the coaching staff was putting him in the best position to succeed.

This isn’t the first time Claypool has caused a stir this season. He was criticized for his poor effort in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers, where he later apologized to his team.

The Bears sent their 2023 second-round pick — which turned into No. 32 overall — to the Pittsburgh Steelers last November for Claypool. It’s safe to say the trade has been a complete disaster for Chicago.

Bears Week 4 inactives: Chase Claypool OUT vs. Broncos

The Bears have released their inactives ahead of today’s game vs. Broncos, where Chase Claypool is officially a healthy scratch.

The Chicago Bears have released their inactives ahead of their Week 4 game against the Denver Broncos, where Chicago desperately needs a win as they look to snap an active 13-game losing streak.

The big news is receiver Chase Claypool is a healthy scratch for today’s game, which was previously reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The move comes after Claypool’s comments to the media this week, where he questioned whether the coaching staff was putting him in the best position to succeed.

With Claypool inactive, receiver Equanimeous St. Brown will be active for the first time this seasons.

Quarterback Nathan Peterman is also inactive, which comes on the heels of a report that rookie Tyson Bagent will be QB2 moving forward.

Elsewhere, the Bears will be without their top cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) and safety Eddie Jackson (foot), as well as reserve cornerback Josh Blackwell (hamstring), who were previously ruled out with injuries.

Here’s a look at the Bears’ inactives:

  • WR Chase Claypool
  • S Eddie Jackson
  • CB Jaylon Johnson
  • RB D’Onta Foreman
  • QB Nathan Peterman

Also, a look at the Broncos’ inactives:

  • S Justin Simmons
  • S JL Skinner
  • ILB Josey Jewell
  • DE Ronnie Perkins
  • OLB Frank Clark
  • C Alex Forsyth
  • DT Mike Purcell

The Bears and Broncos kick things off at 12 p.m. CT on CBS.