Chicago Bears Week 13 Notes: Signature Win in Philly

With an offensive performance that would make Walter Payton and Matt Suhey proud, the Chicago Bears went into Philadelphia and dominated the trenches in all four quarters and came out with a statement win. Here are my notes from the signature performance.

Chicago Bears Offense:

• You all saw it, and by now you have heard Ben Johnson and others reveal it. The Chicago Bears’ offensive line put on a clinic, in bully-like fashion, against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. It was far from perfect, but it was incredibly impressive considering the size and talent of the Eagles’ DL.
• We all knew Ben Johnson was a huge fan of the play-action passing game and many were concerned that the lack of run game would force him to find another bread and butter strategy. But with the OL opening holes and running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai running with such violence, suddenness and vision, not only was this a statement win, but also one that has put the league on notice for who these Bears are. Bully Bears.
• Loved the screen calls – both from a timing and design standpoint. However, still not a fan of Cole Kmet being asked to read the hole, set up his blockers and gain extra yardage after the catch. More on his strong game later though.
• Caleb was once again off in this one. Either he failed to set his feet – like on the would-be TD to Rome – or he threw absolute dimes but his WR slipped on their routes and missed it. Considering he is still in his first year in this new system, you have to imagine he is nowhere near his ceiling. And that should be scary for the rest of the league.
• Early on, I noticed the Eagles’ top cover CB Quinyon Mitchell lined up man-to-man on Colston Loveland. And it turned out to be a theme throughout. Not every play, but on a handful, Eagles DC Vic Fangio opted to put his best defensive back NOT on Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, or even Luther Burden III, but our rookie TE. Let that sink in.
• Another missed TD by Caleb to Olamide Zaccheus, who came wide open in the back center of the endzone, and Caleb just missed it. Had to imagine the wind carried it away, but that’s easily another one CW would like to have back.
• However, when it mattered most, on an excellent play call (I personally feel this was Ben’s best game as a play-caller all season), Caleb executed a perfect play-action to Swift when the entire Philadelphia population expected a run and dropped an absolutely filthy dime to Kmet in the endzone. Kmet sold the run, ran a fantastic route and demonstrated soft hands to reel in the dagger. Play of the season so far from the offense, IMO. And the best part? How Colston Loveland was the first to celebrate with Kmet. -...