So the Bears have been eliminated from the playoffs, and Justin Fields has been hurt. It's difficult to know what to expect from a game against the NFC's top seed. Of course, an upset would be exciting, but it's difficult to fathom how it might happen. Also, I'd rather keep the Cardinals as the top seed than have a certain irritating club from a nearby flyover state take their place. So it's probably development from some younger Bears who aren't Justin Fields.
At least this time, I thought to include a link to the Box score for you!
Not the finest offensive start
The Bears appeared to be on track when they began with an uninspiring zero-yard run, but their opening drive went disastrous when an almost-accurate throw bounced off Jakeem Grant's paws and straight to an eager Cardinal defender.
Not the finest defensive start
The Bears defence almost stopped the bleeding caused by their offense, forcing the Cardinals to settle for a field goal on 3rd and 12. They even managed to stop them short of the sticks on third down, forcing a 4th and 2 situation. Then DeAndre Hopkins humiliated our best cornerback with a 21-yard touchdown catch. Whoopsie.
a senior citizen Today appears to be Bear weather at Chicago's Bearade, as these slippery balls are coming out of Bear paws like slippery salmon drenched in fish oil. This time, it was Cole Kmet who couldn't keep hold of a ball that had slid back into the hands of Buddah Baker. Baker would have run the entire field if it hadn't been for Andy Dalton's courageous tackle trip, which slowed him down.
On defense, the second drive was not the finest.
The Bears again put the Cardinals in a good third-and-long scenario, only to give up a score, this time on a Kyler Murray scramble.
On offense, it's David Montgomery vs. the rest of the world.
Montgomery: 1; World: 0 I adore that Bear.
Let's just say that wasn't the finest overall defence effort.
Concerning the young Bears...
The biggest takeaway from this game is witnessing potential from the young Bear players who, ideally, will become mainstays of this club in the future. Jaylon Johnson gave up one big play to Deandre Hopkins but has otherwise had an outstanding season. Trevis Gipson showed some good glimpses, while Larry Borom has been passable at right tackle, which is more than a 5th round rookie should fairly expect. As I write this in the second half, Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet each have one catch. To be honest, the only exciting Bear to watch today was David Montgomery. Give that Bear another contract and let me keep an eye on him for the next four years.
