After a resounding win over the Cowboys, @ryandroste hands out his Chicago Bears game balls.
Finally, an enjoyable week of Chicago Bears football.
The Bears took home the victory on Sunday, 31-14, over the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. A game that didn’t even feel that close, dominated from bell to bell by the home team.
Nearly every single player on the team stepped up their game from the week prior; it was quite the sight to see. The players only meeting that was held midweek absolutely seemed to fire up the team. The defensive unit absolutely flew to the ball.
Many of us, myself included, were of the opinion that if the Bears were to snag a victory, it would come in a shootout. Yes, CeeDee Lamb suffered an injury, but that Cowboys offense still has fire power and this Bears defense had not given us many reasons for optimism.
Yet, the Bears defensive unit played with an edge that hasn’t been seen around these parts in quite some time. Kudos to every player on that unit and D.C. Dennis Allen. And the offense continues to take a step-up every week.
On to this week’s game balls.
Defensive Game Ball (s): LB Tremaine Edmunds, CB Tyrique Stevenson
With TJ Edwards still absent next to him this week, Edmunds stepped up his game and had one of his best performances so far in a Bears uniform. 15 total tackles (six solo), two interceptions, and two passes defended. Edmunds made his presence felt all over the field.
Tyrique Stevenson also had himself a day, changing the momentum of the contest early with a Peanut Punch style forced fumble and recovery. That play was gigantic as Lamb was still in the game, and the Bears offense had just gone three and out on their opening drive. Plus, Javonte Williams was in the process of a 22 yard gain when Stevenson punched the ball out at the Bears’ 28 yard line.
Five plays later, the Bears offense scored and never looked back for the rest of the day.
Offense Game Ball: QB Caleb Williams
In my opinion, this was Williams’ best game so far as a pro, and if the Bears weren’t winning by so much in the second half, he probably would have finished with 350+ yards passing.
The stat line as is was fantastic: 19/28 for 298 yards, 4 TDs, zero interceptions, and a 142.6 passer rating. And that flea flicker? Just an incredible feat of throwing power; 62.1 yards in the air (flat-footed!) which was good for the longest completion in the NFL this season.
Plus, the fourth and goal play the Bears went for to ice the game doesn’t happen without Caleb’s ability to extend the play, finding a wide open DJ Moore in the process.
Shredding Matt Eberflus’ defense? That was…
I didn’t go full game ball treatment this week, but Rome Odunze continues his breakout season as one of the best WRs in the league. He did drop a touchdown pass that had a little bit of a wobble on the spiral, and I think this incompletion was more on him than Caleb (note the little hiccup in the route):
But truthfully, this is nitpicking. The sky is the limit for Odunze and everyone who said he was a bust last year is looking like a fool. Crazy what an elite playcaller can do with talent!
Luther Burden deserves a nod as he looked great obviously with the flea flicker touchdown catch and continues to look like a real threat in the return game. I’d wager he’ll take one to the house this year at some point.
Bryan Orenchuk and myself will have plenty to say this week on a new episode of Bears Over Beers. We’ll be live on Wednesday night on the 2nd City GridironYouTube channel, or available on demand via your favorite podcasting platform after. Our 2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel is available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audacy, and other popular podcast platforms.
Who would have received your game balls? Let us know in the comments section below.
Category: General Sports
