From penalties to poor play, the 2025 Chicago Bears have found ways to win despite certain players or entire units playing well below expectations. Sunday against the New York Giants was no different,
but in the end, Caleb Williams and Co. clawed back and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, and the Bears improve to 6-3. Here are my notes.
Offense:
- Peppered throughout my notes in this one was some iteration of the following: “Another drop?!” With at least 6 drops this week and an additional 2-3 that should have been caught by professional football catchers, the Bears offense failed to extend drives, score points and take advantage of some excellent play by their second year QB, Caleb Williams. And it almost cost them.
- But Caleb Williams would not be denied and is quickly proving to be one of the most clutch QBs in the game, now with a league-leading four 4th quarter comebacks this season alone. For all their flaws, and there are many, this team has a never-say-die mentality and those watching cannot deny their grit to close out games. A far cry from what we have seen in recent years past.
- This may have been the most impressive display of QB elusiveness that I have ever personally witnessed. Not only did Caleb Williams escape what felt like 20 near-sacks, but he did so in highlight reel fashion and against some of the most highly drafted, decorated, and athletic edge rushers in the entire league. But his banner day didn’t stop there. He had some of the most impressive throws on the run of his young career only to be dropped by DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheus and even Rome Odunze.
- The only offensive weapons to NOT drop a pass? Rookies Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. To be fair, I also don’t recall a drop by Cole Kmet either, but I could be wrong. Either way, both rookies proved to have clutch hands and made critical plays down the stretch. More of that, please.
- As far as drops are concerned, I counted 2 my DJ, 2 by OZ, 1 by Rome, 2 by Swift and 1 by Monangai.
- Liked the running game in this one, and it absolutely appeared that Swift not only came back healthier and more explosive, but seemed to run with a vengeance against the Giants. Credit RB coach Eric Bienemy or the threat of losing his job to a rookie, whatever it is was nice to see.
- The 1-2 punch of Swift and Monangai was in full effect in this one.
- Theo had a solid game on the ground, but seemed like he was letting up a pressure in pass pro every other play. LT is arguably the most glaring weakness on the team.
- Drew Dalman held up well against giant Giant Dexter Lawrence, but his snaps seemed to be a tad off in this one.
- While I was not a huge fan of some of the play calls against NY, the play action TD that put Chicago ahead was quite possibly my favorite Ben Johnson play call this entire season. Under 2 minutes to go, everyone expected Chicago to milk the clock, especially after a run play that just forced the Giants to burn a TO. Not only was it a terrific play call, but it may have been ever more impressive execution by Caleb and crew. Caleb sold the play fake so well that Brian Burns (the NFL’s current sack leader) lost contain like a rookie and took himself so far out of position that he could not catch up to Caleb as he jolted down the sideline for the game-winner. Shout out to Cole Kmet for some excellent blocks in this one, including this play.
Defense:
- CJ. Gardner. Johnson. Chicago does not win this game without the newest Bears DB, signed just two weeks ago. His blitzing and tenacity on defense completely changed the momentum of the game multiple times. And his winning of a game ball postgame was special. Not only has the infamous player not had any penalties called against him, he is looking like he belongs on the field even when everyone is healthy as one of Chicago’s best defensive players.
- Chicago’s other new acquisition had a first game to forget as Joe Tryon-Shoyinka looked out of position and ineffective all game.
- Speaking of ineffective, Noah Sewell was a liability the entire game. Mostly in coverage, but also a a tackler which is supposed to be his forte. Add into the mix his bone-headed roughing penalty when he had no reason to even touch the QB who was in the process of being tackled by 3 teammates, and it made me miss Jack Sanborn, let alone TJ Edwards.
- Tremaine looked to be playing with his hair on fire all day, which was good to see. Would have liked him to get his head turned around in coverage on the seem in the redzone, but overall he had a solid game.
- Tyrique had a decent game aside from two massive chunk plays against Darius Slayton.
- Nahshon Wright had a tough game but his dropped INT in the endzone was a back breaker for the defense.
- Austin Booker looks like he belongs as a starter on the DE. Would I like to upgrade his spot to make him a rotational threat? Yes. But given the circumstances, I am thrilled he is getting so much playing time after missing the first quarter of the season.
- Jaxson Dart dominated this Bears D with designed runs. These were perfectly called and executed by all of the Giants offense, Dart included, and made Dennis Allen look unprepared. Expect for Kevin O’Connell to deploy similar plays with JJ McCarthy next week in Minnesota.
- Jaquan Brisker made one of the plays of the game breaking up a TD pass to Giants’ TE Daniel Bellinger that wiped points off the board.
- Grady Jarrett continues to look washed and continues to look like the worst move by Ryan Poles this offseason. I seem to recall his contract being guaranteed for 2 seasons, but hopefully Chicago can move on from him after this year.
- The Giants moved the pocket, picked up the blitz and had solid play by the rookie QB all game. With Nabers and Skattebo returning next season, this team could soon be a contender in the loaded NFC. But it was a must-win for Chicago and they came away with the W.
Special Teams:
- As I had hoped, Luther Burden III was back returning kicks with Devin Duvernay and immediately showed tremendous awareness allowing the opening kickoff to roll out of bounds early.
- Duvernay had one of his best games of the season but still does not appear to be the same explosive weapon he was earlier in his career and needs to be replaced this off-season IMO.
- The kickoff coverage team got beat again multiple times and once again appeared to be a weakness of this team.
- The too many men penalty on 4th quarter field goal was unacceptable. If Coach Hightower’s seat wasn’t hot yet, it should be now.
- Chicago’s best play of the game on special teams was a shanked punt in the 4th quarter by the Giants punter. Yes, a play that was completely lucky.
- At least Cairo played well! I was a bit nervous given the conditions, but he wasn’t asked to kick anything long and made all his kicks in this one.
