Chicago Bears: 3 Takeaways vs. Panthers in Week 7
1. The defense is really progressing
Wow, this defense put things together for two weeks in a row. This unit hasn’t given up a touchdown in the last two games. In fact, the unit hasn’t given up a touchdown in nine straight quarters. This is the Bears defense we’re used to seeing and missing for the last several seasons. The front line harassed Newton with five sacks (four of them in the first half). Additionally, they shut him down on a key fourth-and-two in the third quarter. Cam is difficult to get down, especially in short-yardage situations.
The defense came through, though. With the offense struggling, the defense spent most of the game on the field. The Panthers ran 69 plays to the Bears’ 37. Also, Carolina held the ball for 17 more minutes than Chicago.
Leonard Floyd ran all over the field showing off his freakish athletic ability. He recorded a sack but really chased Newton down all game. He tackled him a couple of times and was in pursuit when Newton threw an interception in the fourth quarter.
Akiem Hicks got his sixth sack of the season. Christian Jones recorded 11 tackles. Danny Trevathan recorded a sack and an interception. Kyle Fuller recorded five tackles and did an excellent job of cutting the lanes. Eddie Goldman was the guy who stuffed Newton on the fourth down play and Prince Amukamara tipped the pass that fell into Jackson’s hands. This was really a team effort. Everyone did his job and helped get this victory.
I wrote a few weeks ago about even though the Bears ranked last in turnovers they were a few times when they just missed getting turnovers. Well, now they’re forcing an abundance of turnovers. They have six turnovers in the past two games. They are on a roll now.
Next: 2017 NFL Power Rankings: Week 8
Even though we love what’s happened the last two weeks, the offense is still a concern. Four completions by the quarterback and 153 yards of total offense doesn’t cut it. We know what the problems on offense are. It’s just a matter of living with them until the offseason. We need to prepare for some disappointment. This defense will continue to play well, but at some point, the offensive struggles will waste some of the defensive efforts. As long as we see a progression, though, we should accept that.