Bears routed in Detroit as Ben Johnson's first season starts with early turbulence

CHICAGO — Ben Johnson’s return to Detroit on Sunday turned into a rout that left the Chicago Bears reeling and searching for answers early in his first season as head coach.

The Bears were embarrassed 52-21 by the Lions, their second straight loss to start the season and the latest sign of trouble on both sides of the ball. Chicago allowed more than 500 yards and 52 points — three shy of the franchise single-game record and the most they have given up since a 55-14 loss to Green Bay in 2014 — and now face injury concerns and a growing penalty problem.

"Go back to work, man, that's what we have to do," running back D'Andre Swift said on Monday. "Nobody's walking around with their head down or anything like that."

Johnson, who was hired by the Bears after serving as offensive coordinator for the Lions, said the issues were more about play than scheme. "I think it starts with how we play, less so about the scheme or anything like that. But our play style really needs to stand out in a more positive fashion going forward," he said.

Quarterback Caleb Williams began the game strongly, completing 9 of 11 passes with a touchdown in the first quarter, but cooled off as the game progressed. He finished 19 of 30 for 207 yards, with two touchdown passes to wide receiver Rome Odunze and four sacks taken. Odunze posted career highs with seven receptions for 128 yards and matched a career-best with two touchdowns, tying him with Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown for the NFL lead with three TD catches.

On the ground, the Bears were more involved after a limited rushing attack in Week 1. Swift ran 12 times for 63 yards and a touchdown, while rookie Kyle Monangai carried seven times for 28 yards. Chicago totaled 134 rushing yards after managing 119 in the opener.

Defensively, the Bears were overwhelmed by Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense, surrendering more than 500 yards and piling up points in the second half. Chicago has allowed 73 points over the past five quarters. The team committed eight penalties for 50 yards against Detroit, bringing their season total to 20 penalties for 177 yards through two games. The penalties rank among the NFL's worst early in the season.

Injuries add to the concerns. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowl selection who missed training camp, the preseason and the season opener because of a groin issue, suffered another injury while breaking up a pass early in the second quarter and indicated on local radio he might need season-ending surgery. Linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) and cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) were described by Johnson as "week to week." The coach also said Edwards and Gordon’s statuses would be evaluated moving forward.

Chicago will attempt to regroup quickly. The Bears host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday and will face Matt Eberflus for the first time since firing him last season; Eberflus is now Dallas’ defensive coordinator. The Cowboys rebounded from an earlier upset loss to beat the New York Giants in overtime, with Brandon Aubrey hitting a 64-yard field goal to force the extra period and a 46-yarder as time expired in OT.

The loss intensified scrutiny on a team that hoped Johnson’s offensive pedigree would accelerate quarterback Caleb Williams’ development. For now, the Bears sit 0-2 with a defense that has struggled to contain opponents, mounting injury issues in the secondary and a high penalty count that has hampered field position and momentum.

Johnson said the focus will be on correcting fundamentals and how the team plays on a week-to-week basis. The Bears have little time to right the course as they turn their attention to a Dallas visit that will test the team’s ability to respond after a difficult start to the season.