The Chicago Bears suffered an embarrassing loss at home against the Washington Commanders. Despite the Bears outperforming Washington in almost every statistical category, they were unable to find ways to score when it mattered. Despite the loss, many players showcased an excellent performance. Let’s take a look at some of the best performers from Thursday’s loss.
Justin Fields
QB1 had a game. Even in the loss he showed maturity and quick decision making that kept the Bears in the game until the very end.
His final line was:
(Passing)
14/27, 190 YDS, 7 AVG, 1 TD, 1 INT, 71.5 RTG
(Rushing)
12 ATT, 88 YDS, 7.3 AVG, 39 LNG
Fields had an outstanding game when considering the putrid offensive line play he had to deal with.It seemed like he was getting pressured every single play, and it’s because he was. He was pressured a career high 18 times, and was sacked five times. There was very rarely a time where Fields was able to get time and make a play with a clean pocket. One thing was made abundantly clear however — Justin Fields is one tough dude. He was taking major hits in almost every throw and still got right back up. He never quit on the team, and didn’t give up on a single play.
His one interception was on him. He stepped up in the pocket to make a throw on a crosser at the goal line and simply just threw it directly at a lineman’s helmet. Although his mechanics have visibly improved, he has to have the awareness to be able to elevate that ball and make a throw. He missed a few open dump offs, but nothing so obscene he needs to be brutalized for it. Although many would say the missed touchdown ball to Ryan Griffin was on Fields, I beg to differ. Fields sold the fake perfectly, and Griffin was not quick enough to his spot. A missed touchdown nonetheless leaves points on the board.
Fields’s two best plays came in clutch. His 40 yard touchdown pass to Dante Pettis was a beauty. He felt the pressure coming, took the hit, and still delivered a beautiful back shoulder ball in the end zone to Pettis. Plays like that build confidence in a young quarterback. It was a great sign in his development and ability to make tough plays. His second big play came in the Bears final drive. After the pocket collapsed, he rolled out to the left and used his speed and ability to change direction to take a run 39 yards and into the red zone with little time left in the game. Although the offense didn’t finish the job, Fields proved he has the clutch gene and can make plays when it matters most.
Roquan Smith
Roquan continued the tear he’s been on since the start of the season.
His line was:
12 TOT, 9 SOLO, 3 AST, 1 SACK, 1 STF
It’s clear that Smith thrives in Alan Williams’s system. Even as an off-ball linebacker, Smith has been properly utilized in the pass rush game. Against Washington Smith had a key sack, where he forced his way through the A-Gap and manhandled the 2 lineman in his way to get to Carson Wentz. That forced a 4th down and ended Washington’s drive. He made big run stopping plays as well, showing off his downhill speed and strength. He got cracked by Wentz in the fourth quarter, but stuff happens. Overall it was a great game for Smith, playing like he needs to on his contract year.
Kindle Vildor
The surprise of the young season so far has been the emergence of Kindle Vildor. Last year, he was touted as one of our worst players. Many fans were upset he even made the squad. However he had another strong performance this week, building off of his great game last Sunday against Minnesota. He was the Bears highest overall PFF graded player, sporting an 84.6 total grade. He had multiple pass breakups and forced tight windows for Carson Wentz. Overall just another solid game for a player desperately in need of a good year.
The Bears have a long break from now until their next game, where they’ll take on the New England Patriots in another prime time matchup. Gear up for a rough season, Bears fans.
