Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy says his team needs to work on adopting a “finish mentality” after his team found a way to blow a 20-point lead against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
From Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune (h/t ProFootballTalk):
“So we've got to really have that finish mentality,” Nagy said. “We can’t talk about it. We’ve got to do it, everybody included. I think our guys need to understand that close isn’t good enough, which they will. They know that and they understand it’s a long season. Nobody wanted this game more than we did.”
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 3 of 7 passes before going down with a knee injury. By the time he returned, his team was trailing 20-0. Rodgers then led the Packers to a historic come-from-behind victory by completing 17 of his next 23 passes to finish the game with 286 passing yards and three touchdown heaves. The Bears ended up losing 24-23 in a heartbreaker.
Despite the devastating loss, Nagy saw some good things from young quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who threw for 171 yards and rushed for a score. Trubisky got off to a terrific start, but the offense sputtered as the game went on and the young quarterback struggled when the pressure was on. That is something the youngster will have to work on.
One legitimate silver lining was the dominance of Khalil Mack, who recorded a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery and pick-6 in the first half. The Bears' defense should only improve as he grows more comfortable in their system.
The Bears will work on building a better late-game mentality all week as they prepare for an 0-1 Seattle Seahawks team on Monday. Perhaps Soldier Field will provide a better environment for Chicago to settle in.
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