The NFL season is an evolving state of affairs. Week 2 presents us with a small amount of insight into how each team figures to perform this season, though not much can ever be concluded from one game in a vacuum.
In this weekly series, I’ll be featuring one player from each team on each side of the ball who I figure to be integral to their respective teams’ success. Like seasons past, you won’t see any QBs and you also won’t see any star defensive players like Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa.
No, these
are more of the unsung variety. Yet, often just as critical to the success of the team.
Let’s get started with the Chicago Bears.
Offense: Jonah Jackson, RG
In his last fully healthy season, the former Ohio State Buckeye was a Pro Bowler for the Detroit Lions with Ben Johnson in 2021. Since then, his career has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play, the latter of which plagued him and the entire Bears offense in week 1. If he cannot get in sync with his cohorts along the offensive line, most notably new center Drew Dalman, then expect another rough outing for the former Lion and Rams player. However, if he can step up to the challenge and play with discipline (no pre-snap penalties) and technique, our highly paid RG should help open some holes in the struggling run game and protect Caleb Williams in the passing game. Considering Detroit will be without stud DT Alim McNeil, Jackson has a better chance.
Defense: Tremaine Edmunds, LB
In week 1 against the Packers, the Detroit Lions only ran the ball 22 times, but targeted a TE or RB in the passing game 23 times. Considering the complete overhaul of their interior OL, expect the same this week. My eyes will be following Edmunds as he tracks down ball carriers both in the run game and out of the backfield and mirrors Sam LaPorta in the passing game. While I noticed one missed tackle Monday night against the Vikings, Edmunds had a very respectable 10 total tackles (7 solo) and 1 pass defensed. This was with Minnesota running just 49 plays of offense. If he can stay active against Detroit and help keep the run game in check and keep Goff one-dimensional, Edmunds should be in position to make plays in the passing game. If he fails to capitalize or appears a step or two behind like he did last time we visited Detroit, it could be another demoralizing loss. Either way, with a hobbled TJ Edwards and a vulnerable Noah Sewell in pass coverage, Edmund’s will be key.
Detroit Lions
Offense: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB
In two games against the Chicago Bears last season, Gibbs carried the ball 32 times for 196 yards (6.1 yd avg.) and a TD while securing 6 of 9 targets in the passing game for 62 yards. In week 1 of the 2025 season, Gibbs saw 9 carries and 10 targets. Though he was bottled up (50 total yards and no scores), he had the most touches/targets on the entire team. Wisely so, new Lions OC Johnny Morton seems keen on building the offense around Gibbs. If the Bears defense can swarm to the ball and keep track of Gibbs throughout the contest, they should be able to limit his big plays and slow the offense down enough for the Bears offense to keep up. If they let him takeover the game like he did both contests last year, expect a sour return for former Lions OC, Ben Johnson.
Defense: Brian Branch, DB
There may be players more integral to the Lions success this week. Jack Campbell, DJ Reader or even Terrion Arnold come to mind (remember, top Edge rushers and QB’s are not considered in this column.) But none are more talented than the former Alabama “jack-of-all-trades” player and none can impact the game from more positions than the 2nd round selection back in 2023. Last season against the Bears, Branch tallied 18 tackles (15 solo) with 1 TFL, 1 pass defensed and 2 QB hits in the two games played. Those tackle numbers led the team in each game. While I hope he is lined up in man coverage on DJ Moore again (pictured), it is yet to be seen how he is deployed against Ben Johnson’s iteration of the Bears offense. If Chicago can avoid any big plays (sacks, INT’s or FF) to the young Pro Bowler, the Bears should be in good shape. Otherwise, watch out.
What about you? Which players on both sides will you be focusing on other than a QB or Aiden Hutchinson? Let us know in the comments!
Recap from Week 1:
Bears O – Colston Loveland, TE: Failed to make impact with merely two catches on two targets for 12 yards.
Bears D – Grady Jarrett, DT: Underwhelming inaugural performance for the new Bear with 3 tackles (1 solo), zero pressures and helped allow Minnesota to accumulate over 120 yards rushing and a TD (4.6 ypc) in addition to multiple first downs to close out the game.
Vikings O – Jordan Mason, RB: Despite backing up Aaron Jones, arguably offensive MVP against the Bears Monday night, converting multiple first downs and rushing for 68 yards on 15 carries (4.5 ypc) along with 7 yards on 1 catch.
Vikings D – Joshua Metellus, DB: Though he led the Vikings in tackles with 6 (4 solo), Metellus made no noticeable impact against the Bears Monday night.
Remember, there’s a near ZERO chance of a Bears win when all 4 players perform in a way that favors the opponent. Here, we keep track of weeks past to see how things unfolded:
Week 1: Loveland, Jarrett, Mason, Metellus – Vikes owned 75% this week. Perhaps 100%. L
