Post-bye week, the Chicago Bears are hungry. The team, coaches, and players all have something to prove. With a resounding 28-13 victory against the Detroit Lions, what are the implications for the Bears?
Post-Bye Week: Chicago Bears Resurrect Season With Dominant Win Against Detroit Lions
Stepping Up In A Big Way: How One Play Revitalize The Chicago Bears Post-Bye Week
The Bears came into today’s game with revenge on their minds. After blowing a 12-point fourth-quarter lead to the Lions two weeks ago, the Bears were committed to winning this rematch with an assertive victory. The Bears were eager to compensate for their earlier loss and showcase a renewed resilience. The Bears started strong, but the Lions were not going to go down easily.
Nevertheless, tied 13-13 with 1:42 remaining in the third quarter, quarterback Justin Fields made the play of the game. Head Coach Matt Eberflus decided to go for it on fourth and 13, which was an incredibly ballsy move. Fields got the defense to jump offsides, which granted the Bears a free play. With all the criticism and pressure, Fields threw a dart to wide receiver D.J. Moore for a 38-yard touchdown. The rest of the half was smooth sailing for the Bears.
.@justnfields with a DIME to @idjmoore 🤩
📺: #DETvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/NoIKvw5p2Y
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 10, 2023
Shadows Of The 85 Defense
The Bears defense was the star of the show. The defense showed flashes of the once-dominant Bears 85′ defense: constant three-and-outs, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and four sacks. Not to mention a shutout in the second half. Jaquan Brisker had an astronomical 17 tackles; that is not normal for a strong safety. The midseason trade for Montez Sweat has been paying off for the Bears. Sweat had a sack, five tackles, and constant pressure on Jared Goff throughout the game. Not only that, Jaylon Johnson proved why he’s in line for a big payday this offseason. He fooled Jared Goff while in coverage and snagged an early interception in the game, making his interception total four for the year. This is the first time a Bear has had four or more interceptions since Kyle Fuller in 2018.
The @ChicagoBears defense is crushing it and has been for about 2 months.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) December 10, 2023
The Epitome of Quarterback Justin Fields
The tale of two halves for Fields. Consequently, if Fields’ tenure as a Bear can be described in one game, this is the game. The first half was a half to forget for Fields. He went 4/8 for 88 yards. To clarify, part of his first-half performance could be blamed on the playcalling of Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy. Throwing the football eight times in one half is not a recipe for success. Not only that but not throwing the ball once to Moore shows some cause for concern. There were some questions about whether Fields’ time in Chicago was coming to an end after watching the first half.
The second half was different. In a much-needed display of composure, Fields refrained from turning the ball over, effectively addressing a point of criticism that had been levied against him. Furthermore, he orchestrated the offense, concluding the game with a commendable 19 completions out of 33 attempts for 223 passing yards. Fields added a touch of versatility to his performance, contributing not only with a passing touchdown but also showcasing his mobility with a rushing touchdown.
Take A Bow, Matt Eberflus
Eberflus has back-to-back wins for the first time in his career. It’s also nice to think about when the wins are against divisional opponents. It is remarkable how much Eberflus has changed this team, especially with the defense, while being on the hot seat and essentially guaranteed to be fired at the end of the season. Post-bye week, Eberflus has this team playing the best football they have played all year when they could have easily given up and tanked for a higher draft pick.
Chicago Bears defensive lineman Montez Sweat said head coach Matt Eberflus deserves a lot of credit for continuing to keep this team together because it wasn't like that where he was.
Sweat: "This is a really tight group. Eberflus is a great coach. He keeps us motivated. A lot…
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) December 10, 2023
Ascending Up And Possibly Towards The Playoffs?
General Manager Ryan Poles stated before the game, “I feel like we are heading in the right direction and we are really close to not only being an elite defense but being an elite team.” With today’s electrifying display on the field, the Bears reaffirmed Poles’ faith in their abilities. Seeing Justin Fields turn the tide in the second half was incredibly encouraging, demonstrating the quarterback’s tenacity and development. This crucial victory gives the Bears fans newfound optimism and enthusiasm as they move one step closer to the postseason.
Main Photo: [David Reginek] – USA Today Sports
