Yahoo Sports NFL power rankings roundup: Where the Bears land in Week 3
The Chicago Bears (1-1) collected their first loss of the season in Week 2, where they were defeated by the Houston Texans (2-0) in prime time on Sunday Night Football with the whole world watching.
They had a chance to win the game on their final possession. However, they were unable to get it done to cap off what was a mostly disappointing game by the offense. Caleb Williams is having the typical rookie quarterback issues, but the offensive line has been truly bad.
The defense, on the other hand, played exceptionally well once again. It was a big reason the Bears had a chance at the end. At the end of the day, they are 1-1 with a lot of the season left to go.
After a loss like that, where do they fall on the power rankings? We had them fall from 16 down to 20 here at Bears Wire. This is how other media outlets ranked them heading into Week 3:
NBC Pro Football Talk
Current Ranking: 20
Last Week's Ranking: 13
Author: Mike Florio
Author's Take: OK, so maybe they won’t make it to the Super Bowl this year.
Our Take: Making it to the Super Bowl isn't what will define a successful Bears season. Seeing development from certain young players is what will define them as they try to build for sustained success over the next handful of years.
NFL.com
Current Ranking: 21
Last Week's Ranking: 15
Author: Eric Edholm
Author's Take: The Caleb Williams experience for Bears fans could end up being very similar to what Packers fans experienced with Jordan Love last season. Remember, GM Brian Gutekunst spoke last Nov. 1, saying that the following 10 games would be “very important” for Love’s future in Green Bay. Two months later, he was leading a road playoff win. Six months after that, he signed a four-year, $220 million contract extension. The point is, Love had his share of very shaky moments, much like the ones Williams has endured through a trying 1-1 start. And with Keenan Allen out and the offensive line struggling, this thing might not look entirely right for a bit. Hang in there, Bears fans. Sunday night had to be a tough watch, but Williams kept fighting while taking an absolute clobbering.
Our Take: The Bears would love for Caleb Williams to go on and have a similar season to what Jordan Love did last year. Developing a quarterback takes time, and the Green Bay Packers know that better than anybody. It is time for Chicago to start doing this the right way. Unfortunately, it may cost them a win here and there which will affect their spot in the power rankings.
Sports Illustrated
Current Ranking: 22
Last Week's Ranking: N/A
Author: Gene Chamberlain
Author's Take: Caleb Williams and the Bears offense remain the issue after Sunday night's 19-13 loss, but they did see progress over Week 1. The defense will need to continue to carry them until the timing in the passing game, the pass blocking, and a running attack develop.
Our Take: Gene makes a great point about the team needing the defense to carry them for the time being. When the offense takes a big step forward, they will become a much better team and rise in all of the power ranking publications. For now, the 22nd in the NFL seems fair.
USA Today
Current Ranking: 24
Last Week's Ranking: 20
Author: Nate Davis
Author's Take: Bumpy a start as it's been, rookie QB Caleb Williams still doesn't have to average even 250 yards per game to become the franchise's first 4,000-yard passer in a season.
Our Take: After losing their first game of the season with another week of the offense looking so bad, it is only fair that they drop in rankings.
ESPN
Current Ranking: 26
Last Week's Ranking: 18
Author: Courtney Cronin
Author's Take: The Bears sent a sixth-round pick to Seattle for (Darrell) Taylor at the end of the preseason to help fortify their pass rush rotation. Against the Titans, the defensive end registered two sacks, two QB hits, and seven tackles. His run defense has been solid along with his ability to finish his pursuit. Against Houston, Taylor showed the way he can blow up a backfield when he chased C.J. Stroud to the sideline and finished off a tackle despite the result of that play being an 18-yard off-platform completion by the Texans QB.
Our Take: Cronin named Darrell Taylor as the backup/role player of the game and that was the description used for their dropping in the ranking. He has certainly looked good so far this season and has helped make the Bears look like a better defense which is saying something because they were already awesome.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL power rankings roundup: Where the Bears land in Week 3
