Bears Dawn: Jeremy Langford outshines Todd Gurley in Bears Win

It was supposed to be another game where the rookie sensation Todd Gurley would flash his Rookie of the Year capabilities. He is an outstanding talent and most felt he would be a huge problem for a struggling Bears defense. While on several occasions we held our breath when he got the ball, in the end he finished with only 45 yards on 12 carries and one TD.

When the final whistle blew, it was our own rookie, Jeremy Langford that had put on the show. In only his second start, Langford finished the day with 20 carries for 73 yards, one TD. Langford also shined in the passing game hauling in 7 catches for 109 yards with another TD. Langford truly outperformed Gurley with his ability not only to run the ball effectively, but with his pass catching abilities. In just two games, Langford has exhibited his ability to be effective in all phases of the game.

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Last week, we saw Langford lay out to catch a 31-yard pass. This week against the Rams, on a simple screen pass, Langford ripped of an 83-yard TD on a catch and run. What makes Langford so special is his ability to make the big play. While we know Matt Forte to be consistent and reliable, he has never been considered a game breaker, but that is what makes Jeremy so unique. Every time he touches the ball, the opportunity to run away from the defense is tangible. He brings a completely different problem for the opposing defenses.

If Langford continues to show this level of play, paired with Ka’Deem Carey’s hard charging running style, Forte’s re-signing will be less of an issue going into 2016.

Nov 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) is sacked by Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) and outside linebacker Sam Acho (49) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Chicago defeated St. Louis 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

In the Saturday edition of Bears Dawn, I said the key to the game against the Rams was going to be the defensive line. Once again, the line came through. It was a complete effort by every member of the unit. Lamarr Houston notched another sack late in the game. They did a tremendous job keeping Gurley bottled up all game long. Shea McClellin, Willie Young and Tracy Porter all had outstanding games.

The Bears are now sitting at 4-5 and the playoffs are not out of reach. It might take running the table but they have reeling squads in the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers on deck. If the can get past those two teams (a tall order), they will have complete control of their playoff destiny. No matter what happens, the Bears are on the verge of breaking out of last year’s ugliness. Major kudos to Ryan Pace and John Fox for setting a solid plain in motion for the team.

Other top performances go to Zach Miller, with his two TD receptions, one going for 87 yards. Also, the special teams punt coverage unit for bottling up Tavon Austin. Lastly, Jay Cutler had another solid effort, tossing three touchdowns and had complete control of the offense all game long.

If there was a downside in the game, it was Marc Mariani’s fumble. Mariani has struggled of late, but the fact is, there really isn’t another alternative on the roster with any real experience. With the Bears now having an outside shot to the playoffs, Mariani will stay as the Bears return man.

In Saturday’s Bears Dawn, I asked which 4 head coaches who currently rank in the top 10 for careerwins had never won the Super Bowl. The answer? Paul Brown, Chuck Knox, Dan Reeves and Marty Schottenheimer.