The Bears' Overlooked Champions of Week 5 Dominated the Trenches.
While it's a cliché to suggest that football games are determined in the trenches, such a statement holds truth. After watching the Chicago Bears triumph over the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football, the evident conclusion is that the Bears clinched their victory right there in the trenches.
Certainly, the contributions of Justin Fields as the quarterback cannot be overlooked. Similarly, the influence of D.J. Moore on that Thursday night can't be downplayed. Yet, the standout performance came from the offensive and defensive lines during Week 5, which proved pivotal.
Teven Jenkins Stands OutThe impact of Teven Jenkins' return to the Bears' offensive line was undeniably significant. Not just in terms of his size, strength, and prowess at the line of scrimmage, but the difference in the team's performance with Jenkins in and out of the lineup was palpable. This signifies the mark of an influential offensive lineman.
A particularly compelling article post-game was penned by Josh Schrock for NBC Sports Chicago, discussing Jenkins. It's recommended reading for those interested. The title, "Teven Jenkins demonstrated dominant skills while shaking off 'rust' vs. Commanders," aptly summarizes Schrock's insights. Even with limited playtime, having been out since August, Jenkins consistently reminded fans why the Bears drafted him in 2021. It was an awe-inspiring display.
For those intrigued by superior line play, a short clip capturing Jenkins' performance during the game is worth the watch. Pro Football Focus awarded Jenkins an impressive 81.2 grade, acknowledging his commendable effort in allowing zero sacks and no quarterback pressures in his debut game. Having missed the initial four weeks on IR, anticipation is high for Jenkins' forthcoming contributions.
Nate Davis' Impressive TransitionMany might be captivated by rookie right tackle Darnell Wright's prowess in overpowering opponents, as seen in one of the clips. But it's equally crucial to note right guard Nate Davis's skill in setting up the screen game and his subsequent contributions downfield.
Admittedly, the acquisition of Nate Davis was surprising for some, especially when considering Jenkins' commendable performance as the Bears' primary right guard. There were concerns about Jenkins having to adapt to a new position. But as recent events suggest, Jenkins seems to have transitioned smoothly. Concurrently, Davis is evolving into a player the Bears are fortunate to have secured during free agency.
Darnell Wright's Dominance ContinuesWitnessing Darnell Wright's blocking in the run game is undeniably exhilarating. His talent for effectively neutralizing opponents is unparalleled. Wright's prowess in the trenches, particularly in run blocking, is commendable, though there remains room for improvement in his pass protection.
Kudos to the Defensive LineThe defensive prowess of the Bears was a matter of concern at the start of the season. However, the game against the Commanders showcased the unit's potential. The Bears' defense was impeccable, especially in restricting the Commanders' rushing game.
But the Bears didn't stop at defense. Their prowess in pass-rushing was evident, leveraging the Commanders' weak defense to notch up significant stats on Thursday Night Football.
Yet, it's essential to remain realistic. The Bears' defense still has a considerable journey ahead, especially considering the 388 yards and a 72.5 percent completion rate achieved by Sam Howell. However, the victory in Washington, complemented by stats indicative of excellence in other departments, provides an encouraging platform for future games.
| POLL | ||
10 OCTOBRE | 33 ANSWERS The Bears' Overlooked Champions of Week 5 Dominated the Trenches. Are the bears going to make the playoffs? | ||
| Yes | 9 | 27.3 % |
| No | 24 | 72.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
