Bears vs. Lions: Instant analysis of Chicago's Week 16 loss

The Chicago Bears' offensive spark wasn't enough to score a desperately-needed win against the rival Detroit Lions, losing 34-17, Sunday at Soldier Field. The Week 16 defeat is the Bears' ninth-straight loss, setting a franchise record for most consecutive losses in a single season. Chicago maintains their holdfast as one of the worst teams in the NFL with a 4-11 overall record.

It would've been cause for celebration if the Bears showed anything resembling competency in the first half and, as expected, Bears fans weren't doing much cheering through the first two quarters. A botched end-around handoff from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to rookie receiver Rome Odunze on Chicago's second possession of the game set their NFC North rival up with great field position, and the No. 1 scoring offense in the league took advantage. Jahmyr "Sonic" Gibbs became a blue blur as he ripped through the Bears' defense, toting the ball on three straight plays at the one-yard line, finding paydirt on the third try. Detroit led Chicago 10-0 midway through the first quarter.

Odunze's inaugural NFL season can be defined as inconsistent, and the uglier aspect of that term made itself known on the Bears' next possession. Williams took the snap on second-and-9 and found Odunze in stride for a solid chunk play, and he was determined to gain every yard on the play. The wideout failed to account for the rallying Lions defenders looking to create a turnover, and he fumbled the ball just before he hit the turf. Detroit recovered and turned the takeaway into three points, knocking through a 34-yard field goal.

Detroit was keen on further burying Chicago on their next possession, and explosive wide receiver Jameson Williams was the one to deliver another devastating blow. Quarterback Jared Goff took the snap at their own 18-yard line, stepped up and launched a deep ball for a streaking Williams who brought in the uncontested ball and trotted into the endzone for the 82-yard score. Lions were well in control of the game, leading 20-0 early in the second quarter.

Chicago's young signal-caller has been burdened with carrying the offensive workload the last couple months, and Williams took it upon his self to get the Bears' first score of the game. The rookie orchestrated a methodical, 14-play drive that culminated in an easy pitch-and-catch touchdown to tight end Cole Kmet, cutting into their large deficit, 20-7. Chicago's defense continued to disappoint, however, and the Lions led a precise drive of their own, with superstar receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown weaving his way through traffic on the short catch and in for the touchdown, resetting their lead back to 20.

Williams was in a flow state, and he would answer with his touchdown strike of his own, threading the needle to receiver Keenan Allen down the sideline for a catch-and-run 45-yard touchdown on their next possession. Detroit's ensuing field goal attempt just fell short as time expired in the first half, and the Lions maintained a healthy 27-14 lead going into the locker room.

The offense's spark breathed new life into the Bears before the first half expired. The thing about sparks, however, is they're fleeting moments of brilliance before they inevitably burn out. "Burn out" is what Chicago did in the second half, as they were completely outclassed in the latter half of the Week 16 contest.

It was right back to business for Goff and the Lions offense, and his unit mercilessly moved down the field on their first possession of the second half and got to the promised land once again, this time on a 14-yard touchdown catch courtesy of tight end Sam LaPorta. Detroit's fourth touchdown of the day extended their lead to 34-17, and that tally would be the final score of the game, as Chicago punted and turned the ball over on downs for the remainder of their possessions.

I would advise all of the loyal Bears fans to sever all ties to their beloved team and enjoy the holiday season. The Bears have only gifted us heartache most of the year, so it would be best to act as if the season is over and look forward to the offseason. If I have to find a silver lining in all the gloom, Williams provided one heck of a showcase for Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is expected to be a top head coach candidate for the Bears in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs. Lions: Instant analysis of Chicago's Week 16 loss