Chicago Bears Week 15 Notes: Frozen Domination

It may have taken the first offensive drive to thaw out but from that point on, the Chicago Bears put together their most complete game of the season enroute to a 31-3 thumping of the Cleveland Browns at frozen Soldier Field. Here are my notes from the encouraging contest.

Offense:

• Despite a more concerted effort to start fast this week, the Bears offense went 3 and out to start this one. The playcalls were just fine, but one questionable decision of Caleb Williams to throw late instead of pickup a few yards on the ground and another dropped screen pass by Kyle Monangai doomed the Bears’ first drive.
• After that, however, Chicago appeared to lock in and take control.
• Unlike most other games this season, Caleb’s accuracy was on-point early. The Bears still struggled with drops and slips, but Caleb had one of his best games as a Bear this week. The fact that he did so in near or below zero degree temps was noteworthy.
• The run game was also strong early and throughout. And were it not for a bogus holding call on Durham Smythe, Bears RB D’Andre Swift would have had his 4th 100 yard performance of the season. Swift played fast, physical and decisive all game and one of my only qualms with Ben Johnson is once again not rolling with Swift when he clearly has the hot hand. Both of Swift’s TDs against Cleveland were simply made by him. Not the scheme. Not the blocking – though both were solid. But Swift had a day.
• Not too thrilled with the jet-sweep call to Loveland, but I suppose I would prefer he get those over Kmet or any other TE and that is an important play to get on tape for our opponents.
• For the most part, I was very pleased with how rookie LT Ozzy Trapilo held up all game against Myles Garrett. Clearly outmatched physically Trapilo held his own and helped wall-off Garrett on a number of pass reps and run blocks. An encouraging performance in my book despite getting beat for 1.5 sacks.
• A rare Luther Burden III drop in an otherwise legit WR1 type of game. This kid is electric with the ball in his hands and once again led the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards with Rome Odunze out.
• Speaking of WR1 type games, welcome back, DJ Moore! Good to see you. And even better to see you embrace the game ball post game the way you did. Good vibes at Halas Hall this week, no doubt. Locked in for what’s to come.
• Liked what I saw from Kmet against Cleveland outside of one tough drop on a gorgeous pass by Caleb. Kmet ren with more purpose than I have seen in a while and also blocked well including at least one excellent rep against Garrett.
• In what was the most dominating performance, start to finish, for the...