The
run game and defense dominated in this one from start to finish, but plenty of noteworthy notes to discuss from yesterday’s win. Let’s get to it.
Offense:
- The Offensive Line continued getting push and opening holes in the run game early in this one and it carried on throughout all 4 quarters.
- Theo had his roughest start against the Saints with multiple pre-snap penalties and missed blocks in the quick pass game that led to pass deflections by Chase Young.
- While the offense has gotten bailed out in the last couple opening drives by the defense, it has been frustrating to watch them look so out of sync with their initial scripted plays to start the game.
- Caleb had a few accurate throws early and then proceeded to stare down Rome Odunze for the INT on a misplaced ball that was behind the out-breaking WR.
- Darnell Wright is a beast and a tough SOB. But his bad elbow impacted his ability a couple times yesterday. All things considered, he is still playing at a Pro Bowl level.
- Speaking of tough SOBs, how impressive was DJ Moore not only playing in this one, but returning to the nasty run style that has endeared himself to fans since arriving in Chicago? His crosser where he stayed in bounds and then ran through a LB for extra yardage was spectacular on every level.
- RoJo sighting! Dude converted on a short conversion with an 11 yard run where he never got tackled. Suddenly, it does not appear that our RB room needs any help after all. Who woulda thought?
- Speaking of RBs, Kyle Monangai got his most carries of the season and looked like a fantastic complement to Swift. His north/south running style and fight for every yard approach chipped away at the Saints all day and he was rewarded with his first career TD.
- Cole Kmet showed up a couple times before getting hurt and opening the door to more playing time to rookie Colston Loveland. Loveland had a number of noteworthy plays in this one. As a blocker. A bogus offensive PI penalty and most impressive to me was his third and long conversion on the out route where he displayed excellent route running, sure hands and exceptional body control making sure both feet landed in bounds.
- Rome took a break from his drop streak last week but made up for it this week with a couple costly drops against the Saints.
- Drew Dalman reminded fans why we have all wanted a new Center for so many years. It was nice to hear him accept responsibility for the bad snaps, but that needs to be cleaned up ASAP.
- Jonah let up a big sack one on one in protection. Overall, he has been a nice addition.
- I cannot talk about the Offense without talking more about D’Andre Swift. Sure, the pass game has not looked great the last couple weeks, but we have still put points up. Why? Largely because of Swift. He finally looks like he trusts his OL and is hitting the hole without hesitation more than we have ever seen him. He is explosive in the open field and seems close multiple times a game to breaking a long one.
Defense:
- Since the Bye week, Montez Sweat has looked like the player we all hoped he would be. His strip sack early was key to get the ball back to our offense and get some points in the first quarter.
- Gervon Dexter Sr. is another player who has been balling since the Bye. He recovered the Sweat fumble and then nearly had his first career INT when he dropped into coverage. Big Dex is playing great ball.
- Overall, the Bears’ run D continued to play improved ball early and throughout this one. Billings in the starting lineup is paying off and guys like DomRob and Shemar Turner are holding the point of attack well, though Turner missed contain on a Rattler scramble for a first early. That should improve as he gets more time on task.
- Tyrique Stevenson has been balling and that continued.
- Joquan Brisker played his best game of the season and he was smelling blood in the water in this one. It was a huge shame he got a roughing calling on him when he barely grazed the QB’s helmet. Lot’s of tick tack calls continue to get called on us.
- Speaking of ballers getting called for ticktack calls, Kyler Gordon is another. How awesome is it to have him back? Each of these last two games he has had what I feel was the biggest hit on defense. Last game it was against the run, yesterday it was after a Kamara catch where he got flagged for helmet to helmet. I did not like the call, but I am really liking Spidey’s presence back. His sack of Rattler showed some of the most impressive agility you will ever see. His ability to change direction and track down the QB was super-hero-esque.
- T.J. Edwards looked like his old self in this one. While his awareness was on point in his return last week, he appeared a step behind. Not against the Saints though and his near INT was a thing of beauty.
- Nashon Wright with another huge pick. He gets a lot of flak around here, rightfully so, but we could be doing MUCH worse at CB than him.
- That said, it was easy to tell when Stevenson was not out there for the 2nd half despite no announcement until near the end of the 3rd quarter. Hope it is nothing major for our current CB1.
- DomRob seemed to get his most extensive playing time of the season and had himself a great game including a dominating TFL on Taysom Hill.
- Super disappointing late half defense to let up a TD on a blitz where nobody got through. That actually seemed to be a theme…lots of blitzes y our D where everyone was picked up and Spencer Rattler had time to throw to open WR’s doomed us throughout. Thankfully, the Turnovers continued, though.
- Kevin Byard with his 4th INT of the season on a great deep ball read to Shaheed and nearly had his 5th INT of the season but had the ball knocked out by friendly fire.
- I cannot conclude my notes on the Defense without highlighting the play of Tremaine Edmunds, who continues to play at an All-Pro level. Yes, I said All-Pro. Edmunds had his 3rd INT of the season and key sack while also leading the team in tackles. Stud.
Special Teams:
- Jake Moody continues to deliver. It’s almost like the kid always had the talent to succeed at this level and just needed a change of scenery and some new coaching to bring it out of him. Glad to finally be on the winning end of that situation for once.
- That said, I would like to see Moody be more consistent on the kickoffs. Only one kickoff was well-placed neat the goal line but in the field of play. That might not matter in the long run, but it absolutely matters for field position.
- Luther Burden III was not one of the two kick returners in this one, instead replaced by Josh Blackwell. While I hoped that meant more targets on offense, it did not. This week, at least.
- That said, Devin Duvernay is leaving a lot to be desired on his kick returns. He is consistent but lacking in explosion lately. Wonder if they make a switch there.
- Tory Taylor continues to have an excellent season. This wasn’t his best game of the season, he has had a couple really impressive games so far, but he did his job well.
- Daniel Hardy and Josh Blackwell are great special teamers, but the hit by Blackwell and Travis Homer on kick coverage was awesome.
