Chicago Bears, Justin Fields look like one with the force against the Patriots
Who are these guys? Since when did they play for the Chicago Bears? Ah, they must be the chosen ones. Vanquish the Sith and not join them.
By traveling to the NFL’s Death Star, the Bears (3-4), or the Jedi if you prefer to call them that, vanquished Master Sidious, i.e., Bill Belichick and his New England Patriots (3-4) 33-14, preventing the Dark Lord from overtaking George Halas for second on the all-time wins list.
Belichick will pass that number, but a sign from above said Papa Bear would not allow that to happen to his team, and somehow, the players responded in a way that we have not seen all year. For the first time in 2022, the offense resembled a modern form but with much to work on.
Justin Fields finished 13-21 for 179 yards, a touchdown, and another unlucky interception. He ran the ball for a score as well. Again, he should have thrown the ball more and made more plays, but getting sacked four times and fumbling four times is unacceptable. As such, his grade, if he were to be given one tonight, would be a C+. Khalil Herbert got an A, as did David Montgomery. Both scored touchdowns, and both ran the ball well.
The Chicago Bears upsetting the Patriots proves the unpredictability of the NFL.
Meanwhile, Mac Jones? The young apprentice received an F, throwing for only 13 yards and a pick (Jaquan Brisker) before being replaced by hotshot rookie Bailey Zappe, who did throw a touchdown but was under duress for much of the night despite throwing for 185 yards on 14/22 passing.
He lost the game, but the council has agreed to give him a C- due to the last interception he threw to rookie Kyler Gordon, Zappe’s second of the night (Roquan Smith).
As it pertains to the Chicago Bears defense, both of Chicago’s top draftees, Gordon and Brisker, shined, as did rookie pass-rusher Dominique Robinson. Robinson didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his speed alone off the edge suggests that general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus may have found a hidden gem.
Also, the adjustments made by defensive coordinator Alan Williams are to be commended. After going down 14-10 following the hot start by Fields and friends, Chicago’s unit clamped down and didn’t allow a score for the rest of the game. Again, it’s just one game but a resounding effort.
The Chicago troops won’t be on primetime for the rest of the regular season, but they made the most of their final spotlight opportunity and came away with a win over the Patriots. The team has earned their due credit for now. Let’s see what they do against Micah Parsons and the Cowboys before hopes rise up once more.