Some quick thoughts on a 31-15 Bears win over Washington:
How it Happened
The Bears offense finally broke out in the second quarter after the defense scored on a HaHa Clinton-Dix pick-6 in the first quarter. Taylor Gabriel was the recipient of much of the breakout.
Gabriel scored first on a wide open three yard touchdown. Then on an open one yard touchdown. Then finally on a beautiful 36-yard touchdown pass down the sideline to put the Bears up 28-0. For a while it looked like this would put the nail in the coffin. But alas the Redskins did just enough to make it a game. They scored on a two-yard touchdown pass to Paul Richardson to make it a 28-15 with just over 13 minutes left in the game.
After the Bears failed to answer, the Redskins looked prime to score again. Fortunately, Danny Trevathan forced a fumble on a failed QB sneak in the red-zone to save the game. All in all, the offense looked better, but still needs improvement, and the defense looked good.
This is the type of game the team needs to build on going into a crucial divisional matchup next week.
Standout Performer
Taylor Gabriel 6 catches, 75 yards, 3 Touchdowns
Clinton-Dix put up a good fight for the standout performer but it is tough not to give it to Gabriel.
The offense needed a spark and Gabriel obliged. All of his touchdowns came in an explosive second quarter. After only catching 3 passes for 35 yards in the first two games, Gabriel needed this too. This team has the weapons to be a good offense and it was on display tonight. Unfortunately, Gabriel suffered a concussion in the third quarter and his status for next week is questionable.
Either way his performance tonight was outstanding especially after the struggles over the first two weeks.
Standout Stats
4 Sacks, 3 Interceptions, Two Fumble Recoveries
The defense was just too good overall to pick one stat. Yes, they helped to make things dicey in the fourth quarter. But overall, this was yet another good performance by a very good defense. After only forcing one turnover over the first two weeks the team broke out in a big way on Monday night.
Even after all the regression talk this offseason, the defense does not look like it is going to take a step back. Every level has difference makers. And most of those playmakers were on display tonight.
Oh, and as long as Khalil Mack is out there, this defense is going to be good.
More Coverage
Check out this week’s postgame show for complete game coverage …
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