The Bears fell to 2-7 in the Superdome on Sunday after falling to the Saints 24-17. Quarterback Tyson Bagent started off strong, but had a disastrous second half against a tough defense.
Justin, Please Get Healthy
In the first half, Bagent did well. He looked cool, calm, and collected under center, just like he had in previous weeks. He was seemingly able to read the Saints defense easily and was confidently changing plays at the line. Bagent also was clearly told by the coaching staff to emphasize scrambling. The Saints have struggled with running quarterbacks this season, so I love that move by OC Luke Getsy. Bagent listened and was able to rack up 70 rushing yards.
Everything changed in the second half. DJ Moore’s fumble on a nice Bagent pass may have been the turning point. After the first two drives of the half, the offense couldn’t get anything going. It committed its first 3-and-out on a drive that started backed up on the 15 yard line. This allowed for an easy Saints touchdown on their next drive. Then, playing from behind, Bagent fell apart. He threw his second interception of the day on the drive immediately following the New Orleans touchdown. After Bears defense gave him another chance, he followed up with yet another interception (Paulson Adebo’s second of the game). Still, Bagent and the offense got two more chances to tie the game up in the fourth quarter, but could only eek out another 3-and-out and a short drive that ended with a Demario Davis strip sack.
I still like Tyson Bagent and think that he belongs in an NFL uniform. Media seems to be forgetting that he is only three starts into his NFL career. Rookie quarterbacks turn the ball over, it’s what they do. That being said, you can’t win games when you turn the ball over on four of your last five drives. The Bears need Justin Fields back next week.
The Defense Held Up
I hardly even know how to feel about the Bears defense right now. Over recent weeks, it has not been the reason that the team has lost. In fact, it has done a great job of keeping the team in games and creating more chances for the offense to catch up. The problem is that they are not doing anything more to aid the offense. Sure, the unit has been holding up, but it never creates turnovers. In addition, the pass rush is still nonexistent. The Bears recorded zero sacks this week. Two huge sacks that kick the opponent out of field goal range, or one big turnover that gives the offense good field position is the offense needs for a little boost!
Hopefully new edge rusher Montez Sweat can help create some pressure next week with a few more practices under his belt. If the line starts getting to opposing quarterbacks, it would change everything. Right now, QBs are extremely comfortable in the pocket when playing against the Bears. The mental aspect of this alone is huge. When they are able to stand back there with little to no fear of getting hit, it allows them to stay calm and read the field much easier. The Bears need to fix this.
Onto Next Week
As a whole, the Bears played a a solid game in Week 9. They stuck around against a team with a great defense and playmakers on offense. In the end, the rookie quarterback’s horrendous fourth quarter was too much to overcome.
Also, the offensive line had another great showing. I always complain when they play badly, so it’s important to point out when they play well. Larry Borom (who is being fazed out by the now-healthy Braxton Jones) was the only lineman to allow a sack. Guard Teven Jenkins received a 91.1 PFF game grade for his performance, the highest among all NFL offensive linemen in Week 9. He has been a huge boost to the offensive line ever since returning from injury. I can’t wait to see Justin Fields working with this kind of time. Short week now, onto Carolina.