The Chicago Bears’ Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings highlighted many areas that Ben Johnson’s team needs to address as it prepares for the Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Johnson’s offense became stagnant after the opening touchdown drive. Coordinator Dennis Allen’s defense contained the Vikings for three quarters but gave up 21 points and far too many explosive plays in the final 15 minutes of the game. So, the Bears’ coaching staff will have to identify and correct the issues that led to the team’s downfall in the coming days before traveling to Detroit. 

To gain a perspective on what transpired at Soldier Field, here is what wide receiver Rome Odunze and right tackle Darnell Wright had to say about some key plays from the Monday night performance against the Vikings.

Basketball block

The Bears started the game on a 10-play, 61-yard drive that ended with a Caleb Williams 9-yard touchdown run. On that specific play, Odunze went out for his route but noticed his quarterback was scrambling. So the second-year pro immediately adjusted to give Williams a chance to get into the end zone.

“I just tried to get open on my original route, and then as I was looking back for the ball, I seen so much space there,” Odunze said. “So initially I was like, ‘OK, let me come down and be available for the throw.’ But I seen Caleb’s demeanor. Seemed like he was ready to run it in, so just tried to box him out as much as I can.”

Watch Odunze’s full breakdown of the play on the Marquee Sports Network app.

Phantom holding call

With the Bears driving late in the third quarter, Williams and the offense lined up at the Minnesota 24 on first-and-10. The Bears QB found running back D’Andre Swift open in the left flat, and he gained 12 yards on the play.

But the play was brought back because of a holding call on Wright, and Williams threw an incomplete pass on the following snap. Williams was penalized for intentional grounding on second-and-20, and completed a 12-yard pass to Olamide Zaccheaus on third-and-30. Cairo Santos ended the drive with a missed 50-yard field-goal attempt.

“I think it is obviously not holding,” Wright said. “I think the referee just kind of seen the end of it. Dan (Roushar, the Bears’ offensive line coach) just kind of said it was questionable.”

To watch Wright break down more of the play and a similar one against the Vikings last season, go to the Marquee Sports Network app.