What a win! For the first time in four seasons the Chicago Bears are .500. While a minor accomplishment, this is only one of many wins we expect to see this season. The Seahawks are not the same team they once were, but the Chicago Bears made one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Russell Wilson look average at best.
Here’s The Whole 9 Yards for this week.
1. Mitch Trubisky was …
Up and down but mostly up. The average fan won’t go back and watch coaches all-22 film on the game that lets you get an overhead view of every snap. However, the broadcast of the game doesn’t tell the whole story. Trubisky finished with 200 yards on 25 of 34 (73.5 percent) passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
After looking at the film, I’m genuinely ok with both of the interceptions. One was a shot down field that he made the correct decision on and the other was a tipped pass that was sure to be complete. Again, I’ll preach this throughout the season, Trubisky needs time. The more comfortable he is in this system, the more instinctive he can become and throw with anticipation.
2. The Bears defense is …
Top 3. No if’s and’s or but’s about it. If it weren’t for a garbage time, “for pride, for Seattle” type of drive at the end of the game, the Bears yards per game allowed average would be even lower than it is. The Bears defense is elite and what’s scary is Khalil Mack isn’t completely in football shape, Roquan Smith has only started one game, and Leonard Floyd is still playing with a club on his hand.
If the secondary can step its play up one more notch, it’s realistic for this unit to contend for the top spot.
3. Speaking of Secondary …
Cornerbacks Prince Amukamara and Kyle Fuller both do extremely well in coverage. They aren’t getting blown by and they are mirroring their assignments extremely well. Most call that “sticky” coverage. The only concern is their nose for the ball. Fuller has to get his head around more when the ball is in the air, and if he did, he’d come up with more interceptions (assuming he catches them). Amukamara had a pick-6 that won the game for the Bears almost redeeming this team for dropping what would’ve been another game-winning interception against Green Bay.
4. Think about it …
This team was a dropped interception away from being 2-0 against two of the top quarterbacks in the league. If Trubisky just plays decent, playoffs are a real possibility (not expectation) for these Chicago Bears.
5. Allen Robinson …
Looks like a true No. 1 receiver. He had 14 targets and caught 10 balls for 83 yards. Once the timing with Trubisky gets cemented the touchdowns will follow.
6. Jordan Howard …
Still has yet to get going but it’s evident that Howard has improved his pass catching. It’s evident that when Matt Nagy works on player development, he knows exactly how to execute it with quick results. Howard was catching everything in training camp. No, literally, Howard was catching the balls from the quarterbacks in their drills as they worked on footwork. No opportunity to improve is wasted with this coaching staff.
7. Nagy’s playcalling …
Was exceptional. I’m thoroughly impressed with how well he called plays after his young quarterback struggled in the first half. On a drive that bled into the fourth quarter, the Bears went 66 yards with no third downs and capped it off with an Anthony Miller touchdown. Multiple people got the ball.
8. Anthony Miller …
Runs routes like a seasoned veteran. The route he ran on his first career touchdown froze the cornerback and left him wide open. He should have more confidence and if he runs routes like Steve Smith (my player comparison) he’ll have a long career.
9. This Bears win …
Did more for the team than adding a “1” in the win column. Following a crushing blow in Green Bay with a convincing win lets the team say, “We are who we think we are”.
Confidence will build trust in the locker room and on the field. As it continues to spread throughout the organization, the Bears can stack wins and change the entire narrative.
Leave a Reply