Three Takeaways from Bears win over Rams |
It was another day and unfortunately, another ugly performance from the Chicago Bears. At some point, they need to figure out a way to put these ugly performances behind them, but a win is a win, which is all that matters in today's game. Caleb Williams struggled to throw the ball for the third time in four weeks as he was held to under 200 yards again.
On a positive note, Williams did throw another touchdown, protected the ball, and continues to complete a high number of his passes, which will only help his development further. When you looked at this game coming into the week, you had one team in the Rams riding high after securing the win they had against the 49ers, while the Bears were struggling to find their way with a loss to the Colts. This wasn't a must-win game, but it was as close as a must-win, especially when you look at the Bears' upcoming schedule and how the Minnesota Vikings have been playing so far this season. Chicago needs wins, and they will take them any way they can get them. Here are some takeaways from week four. That is the D'Andre Swift the Bears need It took Chicago long enough to figure out the running game, but Sunday was a step in the right direction. Not only did this team crack 100 yards for the first time all season, but their prized free agent had his best game yet, which could be a sign of things to come for this team. Swift led the Bears with 93 yards on the ground and one score while also picking up 72 yards through the air. Anytime you have a RB gatting you 175 all purpose yards in a game, you have to like your chances as that type of production takes a ton of pressure off a young QB. Now, it will be up to him to figure out how to keep this momentum going, as the Bears will need his production.
The defense continues to dominate
Even when the Bears' offense struggles more often than not, it has been the defense that keeps this team in games, which was again the case on Sunday. Sure, the Bears' offense still scored 24 points, but had it not been for a defense holding the Bears to four field goals and two turnovers, who knows what would've happened?
Chicago not only took a bend-but-not-break approach, but when they needed a play, the defense found a way to make it. That all started with a Montez Sweat strip sack, leading to the Bears' first points of the game. The Jaquon Brisker interception in the fourth killed the Rams' chances at a game-winning score and gave Chicago their second win of the season.
As has been the case since Matt Eberflus arrived, the defense will be this team's calling card, and the more they continue to produce, the more wins will follow. This team is close to playing the way it wants to play, but it will be up to the defense to set the tone while the offense continues to be a work in progress.
Keep capitalizing on your opportunities
As mentioned, Sunday may have been a win for the Bears, but it was an ugly win. That doesn't matter in today's NFL, as you will take any win no matter how you get it. Sunday was one of those days when the Bears needed to capitalize on their opportunities, as they knew coming into the game that the Rams wouldn't be at full strength.
Not only was Puca Nacua hurt, but so was Cooper Kupp, as the Rams were down their two best options. Chicago used that to their advantage and found a way to make Matthew Stafford this team in other ways. Apart from a few good plays, Stafford couldn't beat this team, as the Bears aren't going to take this win for granted.
Looking further down their schedule, you will notice that Chicago has several winnable games coming up, including Carolina and Jacksonville. Those are the wins you need to have, as the Bears have a real opportunity to make some noise in the coming weeks to keep things interesting in the NFC North.
