Stock Up, Stock Down: Bears win three straight with MNF victory |
Ariana Pensy
· · 2 hours ago
CHICAGO - After defeating the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, the Chicago Bears are now on a three-game win streak. There was a lot to be happy about in all three phases.
D’Andre Swift - Stock Up You cannot talk about Chicago’s win against the Commanders without talking about running back D’Andre Swift. Swift recorded his first 100-yard game since joining the Bears and had an electric 55-yard touchdown, which got Chicago within one score of Washington. His performance before this game was somewhat disappointing, especially in Chicago’s victories. In fact, in the Bears’ first two wins combined, Swift only had 71 rushing yards. This was the breakout performance Chicago has been looking for from Swift to show what he can really do. His stock is definitely up after this game and hopefully will continue to go up as he has some easier matchups the next few weeks.
Caleb Williams - Stock Up
Was the Commanders game quarterback Caleb Williams best performance of the season? No. In fact, his 58.6 completion percentage was his worst of the season so far. He was also sacked three times, the most since Chicago’s loss to the Detroit Lions in week two. However, there is something to be said for keeping your composure when everything is going against you - the refs, the momentum, and even the announcing. There is something to be said for a quarterback who can lead his team when they need it the most and get the team in field goal position. Despite the numbers, Williams' stock is up after this game.
Olamide Zaccheaus - Stock Down
In the past two games, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus was like a security blanket for Williams. He was reliable and made some good plays for Chicago. However, he struggled against his former team on Monday night. Perhaps the best example was the pass he dropped when the Bears were deep in their own territory, as the ball was right between the one and the 4. Maybe this was just a bad game for Zaccheaus. But with the depth Chicago has at wide receive,r including rookie Luther Burden III, this could prove costly for Zaccheaus’ usage going forward.
Montez Sweat - Stock Slightly Down
Edge rusher Montez Sweat probably had his best game of the season against the Commanders as he recorded a forced fumble for the first time this season. However, for the player who has the highest cap hit out of anyone else on the roster, his production is not cutting it. He has one sack through five games and 14 total tackles; the most tackles he has recorded in one game so far this year is four. The Bears need more out of him as this season goes on.
Defensive Line, especially when defending the run - Stock Up
Despite Sweat’s stock being down, the stock for the defensive line as a whole is up. Jayden Daniels was uncomfortable throughout the game as Chicago applied pressure in the backfield. Gervon Dexter recorded 1.5 sacks and now has 2.5 on the year. While they still allowed over 100 rushing yards, they only allowed four yards per carry. Additionally, this marked the second game of the season in which the Bears did not allow a rushing touchdown. And, just watching the game, the run defense appeared to be better. Chicago’s next game is against the New Orleans Saints on Sun, Oct. 19 (Noon / FOX). The Saints have been mediocre in the run, which could allow the defensive line to generate more momentum from this game.
