Chicago Bears Week 16 Notes: That’s My DJ!!

An instant classic at Soldier Field, the Chicago Bears outlasted the Green Bay Packers to strengthen their grip on 1st place in the division and improve their chances at the 1 seed heading into the final two weeks of the season. Here are my notes from the massive game between the sport’s two biggest rivals:

Special Teams:

• This is the first time all season I am starting my notes with special teams, and that is simply because I feel the much-maligned group set the tone on the opening kickoff. It took mere seconds to feel the playoff atmosphere in this one, and I was just watching on TV.
• D’Marco Jackson, who didn’t scratch the stat sheet with the return of Tremaine Edmunds, jumped on top of the moving pile on that play and appeared to help cause a fumble that Chicago recovered. However, the play was ruled dead so GB maintained possession. But the crowd was engaged and energy was up.
• Josh Blackwell had a very strong game in the third phase. From one of his better kick returns all season (an area I have been critical of him) to the insanely clutch onside kick recovery late, he made his mark in week 16.
• Tory Taylor had a great game punting the ball, which ended up being crucial in such a battle of field position throughout.
• Cairo. Santos. With the wind howling like it was, for him to be as steady and reliable in this one was as clutch as it gets. No chip shots, either as he knocked them in from 46, 51 and 43 yards, respectively. Massive game for one of the all-time greats.
• His onside kick deserved its own bullet point. While I was as flummoxed as any Bears fan that they let the 2-minute warning lapse (I have my guesses as to why), it was quickly forgotten when Santos nailed such a nice onside kick. He may be from Brazil, but Cairo is Chicago through and through, and the way he performed off Lake Michigan in frigid temps reminded everyone of that.
• Coverage units came to play!
• Don’t look now, but the Bears’ weakest link is rounding into form as the season winds down and amps up for the playoffs!

Defense:

• Immediately after the opening kickoff, the defense kept the vibe lit and energy on max. They seemed ready for the run and pass, but seemed to fall apart on 3rd downs more than usual and committed some costly penalties at inopportune times.
• Grady Jarrett continues to look like the player we thought we were acquiring when we paid him handsomely this off-season. Had a couple more impact plays in this one, starting with a PBU early and multiple run stuffs throughout.
• Huge 4th down stop on the opening drive was just what the doctor ordered. When the offense failed to convert (more on that below) the momentum finally tapered off a bit...