Chicago Bears Week 3 Notes: T Stands For ‘The Ball’

In somewhat of a must-win conference game after consecutive losses to start the season, the Chicago Bears put together their most complete game in recent memory in a 31-14 win against the visiting Dallas Cowboys. Here are my notes in the big win and embarrassing return of former coach Matt Eberflus.

Offense:

• After a disappointing and uncharacteristic (at least this season) 3 and out on their opening drive, where the offense seemed lacking in intensity, the Bears got the ball back after an early turnover and put together a convincing and explosive drive that resulted in a 35-yard score from Caleb Williams to Rome Odunze. Rome abused Trevon Diggs in press coverage, and Caleb delivered an absolute strike in stride to his new WR1.
• I loved seeing more 12 and 13 personnel early and often in this game. Moving the TEs around the formation to create mismatches in both the pass and run game. Getting Loveland and Kmet involved was much needed and seemed to open things up for the entire offense.
• The flea flicker after already being up on the scoreboard was one of hopefully many to come, timely explosive plays out of Ben Johnson’s playbook. Swift’s toss back to Caleb had the whole stadium collectively gasp for air that soon turned into a unified roar of excitement once Williams’ rocket landed in the outstretched hands of rookie Luther Burden III before dashing past the safety for his first TD as a pro.
• Burden would go on to lead the team in receiving yards with 101 on just 3 catches (3 targets.)
• Darnell Wright has continued to struggle with penalties and picked up another two in this one. When he is on, he is one of the top young tackles in the league. But cleaning up these penalties will be key. I was very happy to see him return from a pretty tough-looking injury, too. Gotta love a gritty linemen playing through pain, hopefully it isn’t long-term.
• While the run game has been abysmal, it started picking up in the 2nd half, especially on the “nail-in-the-coffin” 19 play, 76 yard TD drive in the 3rd quarter, where Ben Johnson called 11 consecutive run plays at one point and continued to churn out first downs with both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.
• Swift in space is special, but I think I like what Monangai brings better as the 1A to Swift’s 1B.
• Where is Roschon Johnson?
• Rome Odunze continues to have an exceptional season and looked like an alpha WR in this one. But he also continues to drop at least one easily catchable pass in each game. This time on a clutch 3rd down throw that would have been a TD.
• The offensive line easily had their best game of the season and Braxton Jones finally looked healthy and like a legit LT in this one, as he did not let up a single QB pressure and the...