Final Score: Bears 31 Browns 3
The Bears got right back into the win column this week with their most lopsided victory of the season, clobbering the Cleveland Browns 31-3 on a freezing cold day at Soldier Field. Chicago now sits at 10-4 and has bumped back up into 1st place in the NFC North and 2nd place in the NFC. With this win, the Bears have earned themselves a bit of wiggle room over the final three weeks of the regular season. A 2-1 record would guarantee a playoff berth, or a 1-2 record if that win comes in Week 18 against Detroit.
Chicago simply took care of business this Sunday. It was a dominating performance on both sides of the ball. Caleb Williams had an awesome game, the pass rush had by far its best performance, and CB Jaylon Johnson snagged his first interception of the year. This really should have been a shutout as well. Cleveland’s lone 3 points came on only a 16-yard drive following an unsuccessful 4th down attempt from Chicago’s offense around midfield.
The Bears will start preparing for a huge game next week-hosting the Packers in a primetime slot.
Bright Spots
Williams Showed Out
Quarterback Caleb Williams played very well. He racked up 242 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, earning him a 4th place finish in PFF passing grade this week. Williams also finished 9th in QBR.
Upon surpassing 1,000 career passes this week, Williams set the record for the least interceptions through that mark (only 12). He is truly elite at protecting the football, which makes his superman passes even more impressive. His second touchdown pass to WR D.J. Moore certainly qualified. In a way similar to the Olamide Zaccheaus touchdown last week, I was nearly certain that the pass was intercepted. Williams fled the pocket and ran all the way to the sideline before launching the ball back across his body-against the teachings of every football coach ever-to a razor-thin window in the back of the endzone. I especially loved the ultra-confident reponses he gave to media following the game, communicating that he simply “makes those throws”. He is phenomenal.
Pass Rush Had Season-Best Outing
The Bears pass rush revived itself this week, accumulating 30 pressures and 5 sacks (both season highs). For reference, the Chicago defense had only logged 29 pressures in its previous three games leading up to this week. Edge rusher Austin Booker accounted for 7 pressures and 2 sacks by himself. DT Gervon Dexter Sr. and DE Montez Sweat each racked up 5 pressures. Shedeur Sanders would rather eat chunky peanut butter than face this Chicago defense again.
In addition, the defense as a whole performed at a very high level. It added another 3 interceptions to its already league-leading total while only allowing 3 points. Cleveland’s leading rusher was QB Shedeur Sanders with just 24 yards. The Browns only managed to earn one first down in the first half, and half of their possessions in the game resulted in 3-and-outs (6/12). This was a dominating performance from the the Bears on both sides of the ball.
Glaring Issues
Wide Receiver Injuries
The most pressing issue following this week’s game is the injuries to the wide receiver room. Rome Odunze, who was “questionable” but expected to suit up, aggravated his injury in warmups and now will miss additional time. Reading between the tea leaves, I’d guess he’ll miss at least the next two weeks. To make matter worse, rookie WR Luther Burden-who had an awesome game-left late due to injury. If both he and Rome are unable to go next week against Green Bay, the wide receiver room will look very thin.
Standout Performers
DJ Moore
The veteran wide receiver found the end zone twice, marking his second multi-touchdown game of the season. Moore had 4 catches for 69 yards in total. After only reeling in one catch against the Packers, a performance like this is really important in both quieting the media and instilling confidence in D.J.
D’Marco Jackson
Linebacker D’Marco Jackson is still filling in for an injured Tremaine Edmunds and he is doing a fantastic job of it. This week he earned the 2nd-best PFF defensive grade in the NFL, an insanely impressive feat. He had 5 tackles and an interception that he tipped up to himself. He has done much more than expected in Edmunds’ stead and might be earning himself a full-time gig (whether it be in Chicago or not).
Key Drive of the Game
I will highlight the Bears second touchdown drive here. It started at the end of the first quarter and was capped off by D.J. Moore’s first of two touchdowns on the afternoon. Chicago marched 80 yards down the field in just 7 plays. It was an efficient drive that was highlighted by a 24-yard completion to TE Colston Loveland and a 40-yard bomb to WR Luther Burden III. Moore’s touchdown grab extended the lead to 14-0 and opened up the floodgates. At this point, the Bears had 14 points while the Browns were yet to have a first down to their name.