Chicago Bears Week 15 Notes: Frozen Domination

It may have taken the first offensive drive to thaw out but from that point on, the Chicago Bears put together their most complete game of the season enroute to a 31-3 thumping of the Cleveland Browns at frozen Soldier Field. Here are my notes from the encouraging contest.

Offense:

• Despite a more concerted effort to start fast this week, the Bears offense went 3 and out to start this one. The playcalls were just fine, but one questionable decision of Caleb Williams to throw late instead of pickup a few yards on the ground and another dropped screen pass by Kyle Monangai doomed the Bears’ first drive.
• After that, however, Chicago appeared to lock in and take control.
• Unlike most other games this season, Caleb’s accuracy was on-point early. The Bears still struggled with drops and slips, but Caleb had one of his best games as a Bear this week. The fact that he did so in near or below zero degree temps was noteworthy.
• The run game was also strong early and throughout. And were it not for a bogus holding call on Durham Smythe, Bears RB D’Andre Swift would have had his 4th 100 yard performance of the season. Swift played fast, physical and decisive all game and one of my only qualms with Ben Johnson is once again not rolling with Swift when he clearly has the hot hand. Both of Swift’s TDs against Cleveland were simply made by him. Not the scheme. Not the blocking – though both were solid. But Swift had a day.
• Not too thrilled with the jet-sweep call to Loveland, but I suppose I would prefer he get those over Kmet or any other TE and that is an important play to get on tape for our opponents.
• For the most part, I was very pleased with how rookie LT Ozzy Trapilo held up all game against Myles Garrett. Clearly outmatched physically Trapilo held his own and helped wall-off Garrett on a number of pass reps and run blocks. An encouraging performance in my book despite getting beat for 1.5 sacks.
• A rare Luther Burden III drop in an otherwise legit WR1 type of game. This kid is electric with the ball in his hands and once again led the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards with Rome Odunze out.
• Speaking of WR1 type games, welcome back, DJ Moore! Good to see you. And even better to see you embrace the game ball post game the way you did. Good vibes at Halas Hall this week, no doubt. Locked in for what’s to come.
• Liked what I saw from Kmet against Cleveland outside of one tough drop on a gorgeous pass by Caleb. Kmet ren with more purpose than I have seen in a while and also blocked well including at least one excellent rep against Garrett.
• In what was the most dominating performance, start to finish, for the Bears offense all season, there are still things to clean up. Most notably their initial drives to start the game and 2nd half. But the playbook is really evolving each week and I thought we saw the most effective play-action game that we have seen in Chicago in the last decade plus.
• Shout out to the offensive line for controlling the game against a very stout Cleveland DL!

Defense:

• Continuing the theme of utter domination from start to finish, the Bears’ defense showed up with urgency and aggression right off the bat in this one.
• TJ Edwards looks like he is finally healthy and was making plays all over the field. Setting the tone with his physical hits on ball carriers and pass catchers.
• Chicago’s blitzes seemed to be much more effective this week as Chicago ended up with 5 sacks and seemed to be harassing rookie QB Shadeur Sanders all game, even when they did not bring extra pressure.
• Speaking of sacks, though Montez Sweat’s sack streak ended, his running mate, Austin Booker, had himself a career game with 2 sacks and multiple QBH. Would have had a FF too had they not called Sanders down before he was down. And both DTs had a sack for themselves in Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarret who notched his first of the season.
• Is there a better in-season FA pickup in recent memory than CJ Gardner-Johnson? If so, I can’t remember one. He was all over the field in coverage, against the run and rushing the passer and nearly missed a sack but still came away with a clutch INT which he returned for 30+ yards. His durability and intensity have been a huge injection into the D.
• If anyone could give CJGJ a run for his money in the “Best FA Pickup of the Season” award, it would be D’Marco Jackson who had a sack and INT in this one but my favorite moment of his was post game when he received one of two game balls by Ben Johnson. Instead of talking about the win or his teammates, Jackson got right to the point – he still has a bad taste in his mouth from last week and made it official. It’s Packer week.
• Nahshon Wright jumped a route early and nearly came away with his 6th INT of the season. A beautiful play. More impressive, however, is how consistent he has been in run support for more of a slight player.
• I mentioned Jarrett earlier, but it bears repeating. He is playing very good ball right now. This marks 4 consecutive games where he is actually making impact plays with his penetration in run game and pass rush ability.
• I have also liked what I’ve seen by Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in consecutive weeks. DE remains our biggest need but the group opposite Sweat continues to hold their own as we near a playoff push.
• Jaylon Johnson looked better against Cleveland than he has all year. Healthier, I might say. His savvy INT guarding Jeudy was a vet play with exceptional awareness, hands and agility to stay in bounds. Hopefully, he continues to round into form these last few weeks.

Special Teams:

• From start to finish, this was Devin Duvernay’s best game of the season. Both his kick and punt returns were on point. Decisive, explosive and effective, giving the offense great position throughout.
• Coverage units were also playing their best ball yesterday. Shout out to Richard Hightower, who suddenly does not have the hottest seat in the house – an honor that now belongs to the training staff after yet another star player re-injured himself during warmups.
• The punt down to the 1 yard line was a great punt by Tory Taylor and even better play by Josh Blackwell.
• Great seeing Jalen Reeves-Maybin making plays on special teams. If we can play this way the rest of the season, we should have a chance.
• Cairo had a rough outing in the cold. Missing an easy FG and nearly missing an extra point. And Taylor had a terrible punt to end the half, but outside of those mishaps, this was the best performance by the third phase all season.