Chicago Bears def. Arizona Cardinals: 5 Quick Takeaways

Predictably the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals played a tough, defensive football game that featured plenty of ugly stretches from both offenses.

Sometimes those games can be hard to watch for the modern fans who want points, points, point. Yet there’s something wonderful about a game where even a single score can matter. The Bears fell behind 14-0 but they buckled down, grit their teeth and battled their way back to a 16-14 win to claim 1st place in the NFC North for the first time in five years.

So what exactly happened in the game to make this a reality? Here are some quick takeaways from the action and what it may mean going forward.

That Bears defense is not a fluke

Defense runs in the blood of Bears football. It has since the olden days of the league’s youth. When Chicago plays good defense, they win. That’s being proven again in 2018. Behind a talent-laden cast headlined by Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan, and Eddie Jackson this group is striking fear into opponents. In just three games now they have 14 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and five interceptions. In this game, they allowed 14 points in the first quarter and shut the Cardinals out over the remaining three. It’s been incredible to watch.

Cardinals handling of Josh Rosen deserves criticism

It wasn’t a surprise that the Cardinals finally turned to Josh Rosen during the game. Sam Bradford was completely shut down after his hot start and the offense couldn’t find any rhythm. Yet choosing to wait until late in the 4th quarter when everybody, including the best pass rush in football, knew that the Cardinals would have to throw to get down the field? That’s poor management on the part of head coach Steve Wilks. He should’ve made the switch at the beginning of the quarter. At least then the kid might’ve had time to get settled.

Mitch Trubisky has work to do but there are signs of growth

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It was another rocky outing for the young Bears quarterback. Trubisky continued to look uncomfortable for stretches of the games. He couldn’t settle his feet and he made some questionable throws. He still hasn’t learned how to play from within the pocket with consistent mechanics. That said, he did enough to get the win. His biggest play of the game, a 39-yard bomb to Allen Robinson, set up the team’s only touchdown and got them back in it. Sure the defense led the way, but Trubisky is still doing his part.

Christian Kirk is going to be good

There was a silver lining in the game for Arizona. Young rookie wide receiver Christian Kirk had his best game of the season with seven catches for 90 yards. His mix of quickness, speed, and strong hands were on display and he should become a favorite target of Rosen as the two start to develop chemistry in the weeks and months to come. Kirk will probably never be Larry Fitzgerald, but he’ll become a valuable piece of that passing attack moving forward.

Time to have Sherrick McManis appreciation night

He’s the longest-tenured Chicago Bear. McManis has been around since the last year Lovie Smith was the head coach in 2012. Since then he’s been a survivor, going through many coaching changes along the way. He’s become one of the best special teams aces in the league and put together arguably the best game of his career in Arizona with an interception and a game-ending sack. He’s one of the most overlooked members of that team and lived through all the dark times. Give him some love.

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