Week 3 boom: David Montgomery – MISS
Week 3 bust: Cole Kmet – HIT
The Chicago Bears surprisingly enter Week 4 with a great opportunity to end the first quarter of the season at 3-1. However, just like their Week 4 opponent the New York Giants, the Bears have not displayed a desirable quality of play. The good start has been held back by quarterback play early on, forcing the run game and defense to step up.
Boom: Robert Quinn
Following an 18.5 sack season in 2021, Robert Quinn has had less of an impact this year at age 32. His descent seems inevitable, but Week 4 provides a great opportunity for Quinn to make an impact on the field and in the box score. In the Giants’ Week 3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, New York allowed seven sacks and over 20 pressures on Daniel Jones. Much of these struggles came from rookie tackle Evan Neal, whose challenges with balance were exploited by the Cowboys pass rushers. Expect for the veteran Quinn to do the same if given reps against Neal. Even when protection holds up, Daniel Jones has the tendency to hold onto the ball far too long, resulting in unnecessary pressures and sacks. Quinn will be the beneficiary of these circumstances on Sunday.
Bust: Justin Fields
Three weeks into his sophomore season, it appears as if Justin Fields is not a franchise quarterback. His 297 passing yards through three games is historically low and his total of 45 pass attempts signals that his coaching staff lacks faith in him. This game should be no different and is likely to feature a heavy dose of run, few points, many punts, and a lack of big plays on both sides. Giants Defensive Coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s defenses have a history of being susceptible to explosive plays, but the Bears’ passing offense has only five 20+ yard plays, tied second lowest in the league. Fields is unlikely to capitalize on the Giants’ defense greatest weakness, which could result in him replicating his abysmal performances to begin the season.
