A tough challenge for the Chicago Bears this week, as they took on the league’s best record Philadelphia Eagles. With only one loss coming into the game, the Eagles showed out with their imposing defense throughout the afternoon. Although the Bears put up a great fight until the end, they fell short again today.
Although dual-threat, stud quarterback Justin Fields had an efficient day, he wasn’t given many opportunities to make plays. Fields was sacked six times, and was constantly pressured. The offense lost breakout rookie offensive tackle Teven Jenkins to a scary neck injury early, and the rest of the offensive line struggled to stop the pass rush consistently. Running back David Montgomery had himself a great day, totaling 91 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. fell victim yet again to ball security issues, fumbling a drive away in the third quarter.
Despite losing rookie linebacker Jack Sanborn early to injury, the defense was able to limit the Eagles’ run game, with an exception of a long rushing touchdown. They held all Eagles’ running backs to 47 total rushing yards. They were also effective guarding the air attack until late, forcing an uncharacteristically inefficient game from the Eagles offense. Safety DeAndre Houston-Carson continued his great play with an interception, with rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon also coming up with an interception in his first game returning from injury. Defensive tackle Mike Pennel Jr. had his fingerprints on this game as well, forcing a fumble in the second half.
Overall Reaction: Bears fall to Eagles 25-20
A lack of weapons for Fields was clear throughout the game on top of pass blocking problems, forcing him to scramble effectively as usual. However, on a scramble late in the fourth quarter, Fields got injured on an awkward tackle and was forced to the locker room, although returning to throw a touchdown at end of the game. He showcased his playmaking despite the struggling pieces surrounding him, totaling 247 scrimmage yards for two touchdowns.
Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson made a HUGE impact on this game, cementing himself further as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Although allowing a big completion that led to an Eagles touchdown, Johnson locked down opposing star receiver A.J. Brown until late in the game. While losing Sanborn to injury certainly hurts, the return of many key players on defense showed their immediate impact today.
Kicker Cairo Santos missed another extra point, seemingly a problem for him despite missing only two field goals on the season. However, it was a very windy day, as it prevented him from taking a 48 yard field goal in an interesting decision in the first half. On a positive note, Santos hit two extra points.
