By: Jimmie Sykes
Bears pregame (credits: @writetomakeitright)
Frigid temperatures in the Windy City unleashed a familiar element fans were accustomed to seeing from their beloved home team. Through the challenges of recent years, this element needed to make a comeback as a new regime was in place on top of a completely depleted roster. The element in question is pure Chicago Bears football. Complimentary football with an added touch of dominant defense.
The Chicago Bears emerged from the bye week with nothing to lose and everything to gain, holding a 4-8 record. Their opponents were the leading team in the NFC North, the Detroit Lions, who stood at an impressive 9-2. Despite their strong start, the Lions faced recent setbacks, losing two consecutive games against divisional rivals, including the recent defeat to the Bears.
Lions take the field during pregame warmups (credits: @writetomakeitright)
Quarterback Jared Goff had a rough time, throwing for 165 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. The Lions' main receivers, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Rookie Tight End Sam LaPorta were held for less than 25 yards each. The team's strongest offensive performances came from running backs David Montgomery and Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, who both rushed for 66 yards.
The Bears stifled the Lions' offense in a fashionable 28-13 win, with the defense forcing multiple turnovers and putting on a tackling clinic. Second-year Safety Jaquan Brisker led the defense with 17 total tackles for the contest.
The Montez Sweat effect has greatly improved Chicago's defense. This turnaround is unprecedented compared to earlier in the season. His presence has allowed other pass rushers like Gervon Dexter, Justin Jones, and Yannick Ngakoue (who was just reported out for the season) to shine. In the recent win, the defense got four sacks, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
Amid speculation brewing that he may not be a Bear next season, Justin Fields put on a clinic for the home crowd. He finished with 223 yards passing, one touchdown, along with 58 yards, and another score on the ground. His number one target DJ Moore finished with six receptions, 88 total yards, and two touchdowns. The Lions' defense tried to be as resilient as possible but to no avail with the dynamic on display. Fields made defenders miss with unique footwork and outsmarted the defense in key moments.
Justin Fields and Lucas Patrick takes snaps during pregame warmup (credits: @writetomakeitright)
“We've always had confidence. If you don't have confidence in yourself, you have no shot,” said Fields when asked about his confidence level during his first-ever win streak.
Fields' most crucial delivery came when the game was tied 13-13 on 4th and 12, and he forced the Lions' defense offside for a free play, finding DJ Moore as he broke loose from the nearest cornerback for a touchdown.
“He (Justin Fields) did a really good job of hard counting and just a really good job there, and they got them to jump. His use of cadence. That’s what it was,” said Eberflus when asked about making the Lions jump offside.
Further speculation can suggest that this play was a significant representation of the level that Justin Fields can reach in these moments. Facing adversity head-on and overcoming it when all eyes are on him is a unique tendency that deserves the proper investment long-term.
Justin Fields has demonstrated leadership across various levels of organized football throughout his career. His current value has been a major point of discussion throughout the season, especially in the ongoing rebuilding process. His current level of performance reflects a player whose composure and dynamic abilities play a crucial role in the team's reconstruction.
Enhancing the team further by providing additional offensive weapons, while benefiting from a defense consisting of both younger talents and seasoned veterans, can contribute to success. The focus should be on finishing the season strong, regardless of the outcome, as the team stands firmly in first place for the first overall pick via the Carolina Panthers.
On Sunday, the Bears travel to Cleveland to take on an injury-riddled Browns team, missing several key pieces on offense. If the Bears can somehow run the table and make the playoffs, this might go down as one of the most unorthodox NFL seasons of all time.
Bears remaining schedule:
@Browns (12/17)
Cardinals (12/24)
Falcons (12/31)
@Packers (1/7)
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