NFC North Weekend Recap: Lions and Bears Get Defensive

Sep 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tim Jennings (26) makes a 2nd half interception to stop a Jets drive in front of New York Jets wide receiver David Nelson (86) during the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Division Standings

Bears 2-1

Lions 2-1

Packers 1-2

Vikings 1-2

BEARS

For the second week in row, Jay Cutler was interception free and had a quarterback rating over 90. What was particularly impressive about the offense was that they still struggled to run the ball (21 attempts, 60 yards, 2.9 YPC), they lost Brandon Marshall’s play making ability for most of the game due to injury, they had 2 back ups on the offensive line against one the best defensive lines in the league…..and they were still able to move the football. Alshon “Don’t call me Jefferies” and Martellus Bennett both stepped up and combined for 13 receptions, 159 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bears were able to prove that they have many weapons that can contribute.

However, it was the defense that impressed me the most and exceeded this Bear fan’s expectations. They forced 3 turnovers, scored 1 touchdown and held the league’s top rushing offense to 114 yards. Yes, they gave up a good amount of yardage, but they did not break. Sounds like the old days of Lovie Smith, doesn’t it? We finally saw some push from the defensive line and this 2014 Bears defensive rookie class is looking like the real deal. I take back every negative comment that I said about the drafting of Kyle Fuller. On top of Fuller, rookies Brock Vereen, Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton all had major contributions to this win.