Well it was inevitable that I would have to write a Chicago Bears article after an absolute heartbreaker last Sunday. This is another example of the Bears beating themselves this season. Whatever, I'm over it. Not really.
Last Sunday the Chicago Bears fell to the New England Patriots 38-31 at Soldier Field, dropping the Bears down to a 3-3 record and losing the title of first place in the NFC North. Back to back losses against good AFC teams is crummy, but the Bears were within one score each game, and hey, 3-3 isn't 0-6.
I want to break down a good and bad aspect of the game, but the ugly will shine light on the missing former DPOY, Khalil Mack. Yanno, the guy we traded all those draft picks for and gave the biggest contract to a defensive player ever in NFL history? Ya, that guy.
The GOOD: Bilal Nichols and Trey Burton
That's right, I'm shouting out two players here. Both these guys shined on Sunday and deserve the attention of top named players on this team.
General manager Ryan Pace is pretty solid at finding steals in the draft. We all know the Tarik Cohen tale, a 5'6 running back from North Central A&T turned into a lethal dual threat at running back. Eddie Jackson was a 1st rounder before breaking his leg. Nichols is another example. The 2018 5th round pick from the University of Delaware was expected to play a minimum role behind Eddie Goldman, but has grinded in the trenches and absolutely balled out on Sunday. A forced fumble, fumble recovery, sack, and multiple tackles later, Nichols appears to be a hidden gem from the 2018 draft class. Chicago's front 7 is already solid, but having a younger player making these plays is just the cherry on top of this Sunday.
Offensively, Chicago lacked a bit (more on that later). Trey Burton was the rose in a bush of thorns. Last Sunday marked a career high in receptions and yards for the former Super Bowl Champ: nine receptions, 126 yards, and a critical score to keep the game close. Remember when this guy was in Zach Ertz's shadow? I certainly don't. He's become a favorite target for developing QB Mitch Trubisky, and only has up to go in his potential to be an offensive weapon and someone for teams to fear.
The BAD: The Offense
You notice I wrote offense and not just Mitch Trubisky. Ya, this is a team effort here, and everyone's to blame, even the guy above who I just praised.
Under throwing killed Trubisky. There were instances of potential huge plays on Sunday that resulted in incompletions due to Trubisky being unable to complete his throws. He seemed hesitant, something that we saw a lot of last year. Two interceptions didn't help his confidence either. His receivers do need to make more plays however; many of his under throws were catchable. I point out a Josh Bellamy incompletion where he was unable to track the ball going deep. You're an NFL wide receiver, that is a lousy excuse.
It wasn't all his fault, and he did do a lot of good. Another 300+ yard game of throwing, three scores, and an absolute BOMB at the end of the game to almost tie it (oh hi, Kevin White! Nice to see ya healthy. Not kidding, if he can play, the Bear's offense would be upgraded).
How about that first touchdown? Michael Vick eh? Trubisky was eight yards away and choose to run over 60, break tackles, and waltz into the endzone. (I think it may have been 64?)
Who else is to blame? The offensive line was allowing more pressure than normal. While there was few QB hits and sacks, Mitch's throws were for sure changed due to the constant pressure.
It was nice to see Howard get in the endzone. Again, he needs more touches. All I'm saying on that.
The UGLY: Where's Mack?
Didn't see a lot of pressure on Tom Brady. The same Tom Brady who has won multiple Super Bowls, btw. Where was our lead pass rusher? In coverage.
There is some reason to this. Mack suffered an ankle injury during the Miami Dolphins game and was limited at practice. I believe head coach Matt Nagy wanted to limit his rushes. Um, isn't that what makes him dominant, Coach?
If Mack can't play to his level, do not play him. The Bears are better off resting him for the second half of the season (we're 3-3. Playoffs are still achievable). Having him play could result in a more serious injury.
It's also up to the rest of the defense to pick up the slack. There are other talented pass rushers on this team who can make plays: Aaron Lynch, Leonard Floyd, time to step up.
Good news, Bears fans. The season isn't over. We got plenty of football left. We got another home football game. We got a young quarterback on a struggling team (sounds familiar). This team will bounce back and play to the level it's supposed to.
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