MMQB: The Bears appear to be making positive strides under the guidance of Matt Eberflus.
The 2023 season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Chicago Bears, feeling like multiple seasons rolled into one. Initially, they faced a tough 0-4 start, but their fortunes began to change, especially with the addition of defensive end Montez Sweat, who has proven to be worth every penny and the second-round pick.
It's hard to forget the time when it seemed inevitable that head coach Matt Eberflus would be let go by the end of the season. However, after a convincing 28-13 victory over the Lions last Sunday, where the Bears dominated in three out of four quarters, it's clear that the team is making strides under Eberflus. While optimism should be cautious, it's challenging to ignore the remarkable progress made over the past four weeks and how it might shape the team's future.
Since Week 9, the Bears have posted a 3-2 record, including back-to-back wins within their division. They have transformed into a top-five defense, allowing just 272.2 yards per game (5th), 180.6 passing yards per game (5th), and amassing 11 takeaways (T-2nd). Their pass rush has also improved, recording 10 sacks in the past four games, compared to 11 in the first nine. Furthermore, the dynamic duo of Justin Fields and DJ Moore has emerged as one of the NFL's most potent combinations. All in all, it's been a remarkable turnaround for the Bears.
Even those who were initially in favor of parting ways with Eberflus at the season's end are starting to see the potential for something special with this team. The continued roster-building efforts by general manager Ryan Poles only add to the excitement.
As Eberflus said to his team in the locker room after the game, "Now we know how good we can be." The remaining four games will reveal just how good, and it might even set the stage for a promising 2024 season.
In this "Monday Morning Quarterback" edition, on a Victory Monday, let's analyze what went right, what went wrong, and the turning point in the Bears' significant win over the Lions:
Key Moment:There was a critical moment in this game that felt like history was about to repeat itself. After taking a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, the Bears allowed the Lions to rally and lead 13-10 at halftime. Chicago needed a spark, and they got it, thanks to a bit of help from Detroit. Facing a fourth-and-13 from Detroit's 38-yard line late in the third quarter, Chicago's offense appeared ready to run a play. It seemed like a ploy to draw Detroit offsides or make Cairo Santos' field goal attempt easier. However, Lions' defensive end Aidan Hutchinson jumped offsides, giving the Bears the boost they needed. Justin Fields then connected with DJ Moore on a deep pass for a game-changing touchdown. That play essentially sealed the victory for Chicago. On the subsequent possession, Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards recovered a crucial fumble, leading to Fields' 11-yard touchdown run, putting Chicago ahead 25-13. Santos added a field goal to extend the lead to 15 points. One play changed the entire game and highlighted the impact of getting the ball in DJ Moore's hands.
Three Things That Worked:
1. Fourth-and-13: The Bears executed a perfectly timed fourth-and-13 play that led to a 38-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to DJ Moore. This play, practiced multiple times during the week, capitalized on the offsides penalty, changing the game's tone.
2. Pressure on Jared Goff: Chicago's defense consistently generated pressure on Jared Goff, resulting in four sacks and nine QB hits in Sunday's win. This pressure disrupted the Lions' offense, even though they boasted one of the league's better offensive lines.
3. Takeaways: The Bears' defense has excelled in forcing turnovers, tallying 11 takeaways since Week 9, which is tied for the second-most in the NFL. In the game against Detroit, Chicago had two interceptions of Goff, increasing his season total against Chicago to five, and recovered a crucial fumble late in the third quarter.
Three Things That Didn't Work:
1. Second Quarter: The Bears outplayed the Lions in three quarters, but the second quarter leading into halftime was their only blemish. Detroit mounted a comeback during this period, scoring 13 unanswered points. Fortunately, the Bears tightened their defense in the second half, preventing further scoring.
2. Run Defense: While the Bears have boasted one of the NFL's top run defenses this season, they struggled against David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, allowing a total of 132 rushing yards. Despite this, Chicago remains one of the league's best run defenses, permitting just 83.7 rushing yards per game.
3. Darnell Mooney: There continues to be a disconnect between Justin Fields and Darnell Mooney this season, which was evident in Sunday's win. Mooney had only two catches for 44 yards on seven targets, a performance below expectations, especially since he's in a contract year.
Three Studs of the Game:
1. WR DJ Moore: DJ Moore was the standout offensive player in the game, making significant contributions in both the passing and running game. He led the Bears with six catches for 68 yards, including a crucial 38-yard touchdown reception from Justin Fields. Moore also contributed with three rushes for 20 yards, including a 16-yard rushing touchdown.
2. DE Montez Sweat: Montez Sweat's impact on the Bears' defense has been remarkable, and he continued to shine in a pivotal divisional game against the Lions. Sweat's presence alone has reinvigorated the pass rush, and he added another sack to his tally, bringing his total to 3.5 sacks in five games with Chicago. He also registered five tackles, one pass breakup, and tied his career-high with four QB hits.
3. S Jaquan Brisker: Jaquan Brisker delivered a stellar performance in Sunday's win, making crucial tackles and playing a pivotal role in the Bears' defense. Brisker led the team with 17 total tackles, including 13 solo tackles, an exceptional feat for a safety. He also recorded two pass breakups, contributing significantly to the defense's success against Detroit.
What They Said:
- HC Matt Eberflus emphasized the significance of winning two divisional games in a row, highlighting the team's excitement and the progress they've been feeling.- DE Montez Sweat praised Eberflus as a motivating coach and credited him for keeping the team inspired.- CB Jaylon Johnson expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete with any opponent.- TE Cole Kmet acknowledged the importance of the win but emphasized the need to continue performing well.- WR DJ Moore humorously described his feelings during the crucial play that led to the game-changing touchdown.- DT Justin Jones mentioned that the team had found its swagger.- RB Roschon Johnson praised DJ Moore's unique abilities and their positive impact on the offense.- LB Tremaine Edmunds highlighted Montez Sweat's impact on the pass rush, creating opportunities for other players.- QB Justin
