Finally, Chicago Bears fans had something to be excited about Monday night in Washington. After the offense scored only 19 combined points through the first two games, 12 of which were off the foot of Eddy Pineiro, the Bears went into the locker room at half time up 28-0 with three touchdowns on offense and one on defense.
The Bears would only add 3 points in the second half and hold off a late Washington run to move to 2-1 on the season but there were still some positives to take away.
Yes, they were playing the 0-2 Washington Redskins. Yes, things were tense for a few moments late in the game. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky overthrew a few receivers and made a horrible throw deep in Washington territory. Still, the Bears had a great game and there’s much they can build off of before Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Chicago had 21first downs in Monday night’s game, moving the chains on eight of 13 third-down opportunities. They had 58 total plays on offense, 31 passing plays while keeping the ball on the ground 24 times. The Bears were able to win the time of possession battle 31:36 to 28:24. Again, they were playing Washington, a team with some very significant changes in the near future. That being said, Chicago needed a good win and they got one.
The Bears looked different with the ball this week, going to a hurry-up, no-huddle offense. Mitch was able to handle the change of pace well and had moments when he looked like one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Well, one of the best in the NFC North anyways. Regardless Chicago fans were happy with the results.
Trubisky connected on 25 of 31 passing attempts for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Yes, he tossed the interception, but he improved from last week’s performance. Against the Broncos last week, Mitch averaged just over four yards per completion. This week that number was up to 6.1. Now, in all fairness, you can’t completely blame the average number of yards per reception on him.
That being said, if he puts more effort in learning how to connect with certain receivers, he’ll learn how to lead them in a way that makes it possible for that number to increase. Something the Bears offense could really use right now.
David Montgomery was the leading rusher for Chicago, running the ball 13 times for 67 yards. Taylor Gabriel was impressive, especially in the first half, racking up 75 yards and three touchdowns on six receptions. Allen Robinson also put some work in, averaging 10 yards a grab for 60 yards on six receptions.
It’s hard to say the Chicago Bears defense has needed much improvement at all following the first two weeks of the season. Still, a few things were missing from last year’s defense. The Bears didn’t seem to be getting as many takeaways and they weren’t putting up as many points. Maybe it simply felt that way because of the lack of production on offense, or, maybe what I’m saying is right. Either way, things changed last night.
The Bears’ defense held the Redskins to 356 total yards. Washington completed 30 of 43 passing attempts for 287 yards. Chicago was lights out against the run, holding the Redskins to just 69 yards on the ground. Washington wasn’t able to score more than six points in a given quarter.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix had a crazy return to Washington. He led the defense with nine tackles and had two interceptions in the game, one of which he returned for six points.
Both Akeim Hicks and Eddie Jackson had fumble recoveries for Chicago and Kyle Fuller added a third interception for the team. Danny Trevathan added eight tackles and a sack while Khalil Mack had two sacks of his own.
There were some concerns in the game for Chicago fans. While the defense displayed why they are one of, if not the best in the league, they allowed Washington to gain some huge momentum in the second half, especially towards the middle of the fourth quarter.
After going the first two games without a passing touchdown, Trubisky came up big with three on Monday night. He still has plenty to work on and with the short practice week, time isn’t exactly on his side before going up against a much tougher Minnesota defense. Chicago had 58 total plays on offense, throwing for 31 one of them. The Bears need to depend on the run more while Mitch is working out the few kinks he still has.
One last thing, Chicago’s kicker was brought in to kick field goals, not out lift the defense in the weight room. After shocking everyone with the game-winner against Denver, he missed a kick that should have been made Monday night. Until the Bears prove otherwise, Eddy Pineiro is someone they have to depend on. Chicago can’t have him blowing a knee while getting his squat on in the weight room.
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