Bears Beat Jets: The Morning After
It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win. The Bears improved to 2-1 last night. Let’s break down how the Bears went into the Meadowlands and beat the Jets.
Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears strong safety Ryan Mundy (21) runs back an interception for a touchdown as New York Jets running back Chris Johnson (21) chases during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
OFFENSIVELY: Jay Cutler: 23/38, 225 yards, and two touchdown passes, and 94.7 QB rating. Cutler is near perfect on Monday Night Football. His main target was Martellus Bennett, who scored two touchdowns. Bennett is quietly having himself a Pro-Bowl year, scoring three touchdowns heading into week four. Alshon Jefferey was productive as well, catching eight passes for 108 yards. The Bears simply took advantage of a banged up Jets secondary, and having one of the tallest receiving corps in the NFL definitely helped expose New York’s ailing defensive backs. Matt Forte couldn’t move the ball, and I think it comes from the absence of Matt Slauson, who will hopefully be returning to action soon. Brandon Marshall left the game with an ankle injury, but returned in the third quarter.
DEFENSIVELY: Once again, the Bears can thank their defense for this win. It started with Ryan Mundy’s pick six on the Jet’s opening drive. The secondary played lights out. Kyle Fuller had another big interception, picking off Geno Smith in the endzone. But, to me, it was the defensive line that did the most to seal this victory for the Bears. More specifically, the interior defensive line. With Jeremiah Ratliff out, Stephen Paea and rookies Ego Ferguson, and Will Sutton played incredibly stout up front. Limiting Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson to only 78 yards on the ground. And, more importantly they didn’t allow any huge runs by the Jets running backs. The linebacking corps was absolutely incomparable to week one. Jon Bostic played well in wake of Shea McClellin’s broken hand, and Lance Briggs was flying around the field.
This weekend, the Packers travel to Chicago, with an opportunity to take a two game lead over Green Bay. I’m sure there’s no need for any extra motivation.