Despite concerns of a possible let down and trap game, the Chicago Bears had no problem vanquishing the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at frozen Soldier Field.
The Bears’ margin of 31-3 felt even wider as the
Bears defense completely stifled Shadeur Sanders and the Browns’ offense, forcing three turnovers in the process. The Bears’ offense started out wasting a few opportunities with great field position, but ultimately put up points and looked dominant in spite of a very good Browns pass rush.
Let’s get to this week’s game balls.
Offense Game Ball: QB Caleb Williams
There were multiple contenders this week, with WR DJ Moore and RB D’Andre Swift also being top contenders. But in the end, I have to go with the Bears QB who made one of the best throws of the NFL season (in negative windchill!) and had himself an all-around outstanding game.
Due to the arctic temperatures, many expected the game plan to rely heavily on the run (and the Bears certainly were dominant in that department). But Williams still ended the game 17/28 for 242 yards, two touchdowns (both to Moore), and a 112.5 passer rating. Doing that in the freezing cold is impressive. He also added three rushes for 13 yards.
Williams was sacked three times in the game, but evaded even more, earning high praise from star pass rusher Myles Garrett after the game.
Defense Game Ball: LB D’Marco Jackson
Jackson has been one of the major success stories on the Bears’ defense this year, and this is the second time he’s been awarded a game ball in my weekly column this season (out of just four starts).
Jackson was thrust into starting due to the litany of injuries to the Bears’ linebacking core, even wearing the “green dot” at times. He’s repeatedly stepped up to the plate and delivered. In addition to Jackson himself, major credit goes to DC Dennis Allen and LB coach Richard Smith for helping a young player succeed who had never started a game in the NFL prior to this season.
Credit also goes to GM Ryan Poles, who scooped up Jackson on waivers August 27th. Over the last month, Jackson has certainly made a case that he could be a starting LB in Chicago moving forward. It’s been a heck of a story.
Against the Browns on Sunday, Jackson had seven tackles (two solo), one sack, one tackle for loss, two passes defended, one QB hit, and one interception. The interception and sack were the first of Jackson’s NFL career.
Special Teams Game Ball: Devin Duvernay
Duvernay had an outstanding game on both punts and kickoffs, routinely putting the Bears’ offense in great field position.
On kickoffs, Duvernay had two returns for 82 yards (average of 41 yards), including a long of 52 yards. He added three punt returns for 45 yards total (15 yard average), including a long of 18 yards.
The Bears’ offense should have scored more in the first half given the field position that Duvernay was able to routinely give them. He was quick and decisive in the return game and received some great blocks from the special teams unit. We’ve all complained about special teams all year, especially the coverage group, and rightfully so, but this was one of the better outings of the year. Duvernay was the star.
Bryan Orenchuk and myself will have plenty to say about this game this week on a new episode of Bears Over Beers. We’ll be live on Wednesday night on the 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel, or available on demand via your favorite podcasting platform after. Our 2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel is available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audacy, and other popular podcast platforms.
Who would have received your game balls? Let us know in the comments section below.
