In
somewhat of a must-win conference game after consecutive losses to start the season, the Chicago Bears put together their most complete game in recent memory in a 31-14 win against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Here are my notes in the big win and embarrassing return of former coach Matt Eberflus.
Offense:
- After a disappointing and uncharacteristic (at least this season) 3 and out on their opening drive, where the offense seemed lacking in intensity, the Bears got the ball back after an early turnover and put together a convincing and explosive drive that resulted in a 35-yard score from Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze. Rome abused Trevon Diggs in press coverage, and Caleb delivered an absolute strike in stride to his new WR1.
- I loved seeing more 12 and 13 personnel early and often in this game. Moving the TEs around the formation to create mismatches in both the pass and run game. Getting Loveland and Kmet involved was much needed and seemed to open things up for the entire offense.
- The flea flicker after already being up on the scoreboard was one of hopefully many to come, timely explosive plays out of Ben Johnson’s playbook. Swift’s toss back to Caleb had the whole stadium collectively gasp for air that soon turned into a unified roar of excitement once Williams’ rocket landed in the outstretched hands of rookie Luther Burden III before dashing past the safety for his first TD as a pro.
- Burden would go on to lead the team in receiving yards with 101 on just 3 catches (3 targets.)
- Darnell Wright has continued to struggle with penalties and picked up another two in this one. When he is on, he is one of the top young tackles in the league. But cleaning up these penalties will be key. I was very happy to see him return from a pretty tough-looking injury, too. Gotta love a gritty linemen playing through pain, hopefully it isn’t long-term.
- While the run game has been abysmal, it started picking up in the 2nd half, especially on the “nail-in-the-coffin” 19 play, 76 yard TD drive in the 3rd quarter, where Ben Johnson called 11 consecutive run plays at one point and continued to churn out first downs with both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
- Swift in space is special, but I think I like what Monangai brings better as the 1A to Swift’s 1B.
- Where is Roschon Johnson?
- Rome Odunze continues to have an exceptional season and looked like an alpha WR in this one. But he also continues to drop at least one easily catchable pass in each game. This time on a clutch 3rd down throw that would have been a TD.
- The offensive line easily had their best game of the season and Braxton Jones finally looked healthy and like a legit LT in this one, as he did not let up a single QB pressure and the entire unit kept Caleb clean and did not let up a sack all game.
- Overall, it was an offensive game called better than we have seen since some of Trestman’s highest moments. I found it notable how Coach Johnson was disappointed at halftime in the lack of consistent plays and felt the offense was leaning on big plays too much. He then came out and led the longest drive of the entire league all season. A surgical display of dominance and the assertation of control that ultimately sealed the outcome in this one. Hopefully, we can get used to this.
Defense:
- The lack of a run defense is alarming and is, unfortunately, our greatest shortcoming. Still. Seemed like 4 yards given up before contact on every run play.
- Grady Jarrett needs to see more time on the bench.
- Tyrique Stevenson had what I consider to be the most critical play of the game. After the offense going 3 and out and Dallas’ offense driving down the field with ease, Rique’s strip of Javonte Williams effectively took points off the board for the Cowboys, put the momentum back in our favor and turned into points for the Beloved.
- Brisker was popping off the screen with his intensity. Should have had a pick were it not for a Tremaine Edmunds tipped pass, but he brought the heat and I thought he set the tone this week.
- Speaking of Maine, he was all over the field and deservedly got the game ball for the Defense from Coach Johnson. 15 tackles (6 solo), 2 passed defensed and 2 INT’s (almost a third) is what he was showing in camp and it’s great to see him translating that in the regular season.
- Shemar Turner sighting! Notable how he came in ahead of Chris Williams at DT. Thought he should decent strength and penetration in the run game, hopefully he can step up for us down the season.
- Tyrique Stevenson had his best game of the season when it mattered most. I know he can get beat badly in the pass game, but he was sticky in coverage and his physical run support is always noteworthy.
- Nick McCloud is an underrated Nickel CB.
- Did it seem to anyone else that Noah Sewell was calling the plays for the D?
- DomRob with an excellent sack one-on-one with Tyler Guyton and Sweat had his own later in the game. Great to see the edges getting after the QB. Can’t wait for Austin Booker to join the party in a couple weeks.
- 3 INT’s in one game? I could get used to that. Especially without our top two CB’s.
- Make no mistake, losing Ceedee Lamb early impacted this one, but to stop the explosive Cowboys offense and limit them to 14 points was a banner day for Chicago.
Special Teams:
- Kavonte Turpin is a terrific return man for Dallas and seemed a step ahead all game.
- Still looks like too much space on Tory Taylor’s punts, but he did have an awesome coffin-corner to pin the Cowboys back at their own 5-yard line.
- Devin Duvernay and Luther Burden look like some solid, if unspectacular returners. They should break one for a score this season.
- Santos had good placements in his kickoffs.
