Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown while being defended by Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin (27) during the first quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Pat O’Donnell has really impressed me so far this season, and the Thanksgiving game was no different. I gave the Chicago Bears a lot of flak during the offseason for selecting a punter in the 6th round of the draft, but I’m going to go on record here and say that I was wrong. He’s definitely had his share of forgettable rookie moments this year, but the good has definitely outweighed the bad. Most of the year I’ve been impressed by O’Donnell’s leg strength, but this game he definitely showed me something with his placement. It’s hard to get too excited about a punter, but if O’Donnell can continue to improve over the next couple of seasons he could be a special one.
With Jeremiah Ratliff sitting this game out with a knee injury, the Bears’ rookie defensive tackles got some extended reps in. I was particularly impressed by the play of 3rd round pick Will Sutton in this one. He didn’t record a sack or anything flashy like that, but he seemed like the player who was most consistently in the Lions backfield throughout the game. He was stout against the run, and also impressively batted down a Matthew Stafford pass at the line of scrimmage. With Sutton teamed up with 2nd round pick Ego Ferguson, who has also flashed some brilliance several times this season, the Chicago Bears should have a solid defensive tackle duo for the forseeable future.
Kyle Long is another player we all had high expectations for coming into the season, but he completely exceeded my expectations in this one. The second-year guard spent most of the game matched up with the Lions’ star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and dominated him. Suh was still disruptive, but most of that came when he was matched up one on one with center Roberto Garza. A lot is expected of any guard selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, but absolutely dominating one of the strongest players in the NFL goes above and beyond the call of duty. Many have questioned Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery’s unorthodox draft strategy, but he looks to have struck gold with Long.
Stephen Paea is a player that many have been down on during the course of his career, but he’s really stepped it up recently. He’s been consistent against the run all season, as well as having a career high 6 sacks on the year. Coming into the season I thought the Chicago Bears might release Paea during final cuts, but now I’m thinking he might be deserving of a second contract. Between Paea and rookies Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson, I think the Bears could have a really solid rotation on the interior of the defensive line next season.
There you have it, my fellow orange and navy fanatics. The Chicago Bears might be down right now, but they definitely have some pieces to build around for next year. Changes will have to be made, but I’m not so sure a complete overhaul of the roster is necessary. I hope I was able to lessen your depression slightly. Bear Down, but keep it Balanced.