Chicago Bears: 3 Lessons learned vs. Packers in Week 1
The defense still plays at an elite level
One of the reasons most experts expect a regression from the Chicago Bears defense is the changes made in the offseason. Cornerback Bryce Callahan and safety Adrian Amos left via free agency and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio departed Chicago to become the Denver Broncos head coach (ironically, the Bears travel to Denver to meet their former coach).
Well, the defense showed that they’re still in elite form. As I mentioned, aside from that one incredible drive, Rodgers looked human and couldn’t come through with his magic. Yes, he did just enough to keep drives going but he wasn’t able to come up with his incredible touchdown passes.
One person who had a great game was Roy Robertson-Harris. The converted linebacker worked hard to learn the defensive end position and get better over the past couple of seasons and the results were evident against the Packers.
He had three tackles (two for loss) and a sack. He came close to another one but while he chased Rodgers Akiem Hicks got to him first. If he continues this play, it bodes well for the defensive line.
Floyd again had a good game against the Packers. He had four tackles (two for loss) and two sacks. Playing opposite of Khalil Mack, Floyd will see a lot of one-on-one matchups. He’ll need to step it up for the Bears defense to repeat its performance of last season. Also, he needs to step it up if he wants to receive a big contract extension. He hasn’t exactly lived up to his ninth overall draft pick designation.
Overall, the Bears sacked Rodgers five times. They had another one erased by a Kyle Fuller penalty. They harassed Rodgers all night long, except on that drive to start the second quarter. Rodgers looked like his old self on that drive, but Chicago’s defense kept him at bay for the rest of the game.
Even though the Bears lost the game, the defense did its job. That’s great considering Mack and Hicks had relatively quiet games. When those two get it going, having Robertson-Harris and Floyd contribute makes the defense that much tougher to handle.
Normally, when your defense allows just 10 points, you celebrate a win. It didn’t happen in this game, but if the defense continues to shut down quarterbacks like that, there will be many celebrations.