Bear Goggles On
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Bears’ Defense Plays Hero Once Again

By Julian Northcross

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Sherrick McManis #27 of the Chicago Bears intercepts the football intended for the wide receiver Chad Williams #10 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Sherrick McManis #27 of the Chicago Bears intercepts the football intended for the wide receiver Chad Williams #10 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bears defeated the Arizona Cardinals 16-14 after the defense recovers from allowing a first-quarter deficit.

In a game where the Chicago Bears were favorites on the road, the matchup came down to the wire. The Cardinals carried a 14-0 lead throughout most of the game and looked like they were on their way to an upset victory.

Veteran quarterback Sam Bradford led a drive on the first possession that resulted in a passing touchdown to TE Ricky-Seals Jones. After a Mitch Trubisky fumble that was recovered by the Cardinals’ defense, Bradford was able to connect to star running back David Johnson for 21 yards and would give the home team a two-score advantage.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals, that would be the last time the team found the endzone as the Bears’ ferocious defense, once again, dragged this Chicago team to a second straight victory.

The defense racked up four sacks, nine quarterback hits, and two critical interceptions as the Bears came back to win with 16 unanswered points. Khalil Mack has to be the early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year as he tallied his third straight game with a strip sack. Mack had five total tackles and two sacks on the day.

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Eddie Jackson was perhaps the Bears best defender on the day as he was all over the field. He recorded his first interception of the 2018 season and almost had a game-sealing pick-6 in the final minutes of the game. Akiem Hicks also caused his usual disruption, causing a strip sack against Bradford in the first half. And of course, Sherrick McManis demonstrating why he’s been a captain on this team for years with a sack and a diving interception.

The Cardinals tossed the Bears a curveball when they gave rookie Josh Rosen a chance with the game on the line. Rosen was tasked with leading his team to a game-winning drive with around 4:30 minutes left in the game. Rosen connected on a couple of plays but then threw a costly sideline interception to slot cornerback, Bryce Callahan.

The offense was limited once again and struggled to capitalize with good field position and an ample amount of extra possessions caused by the defense. Trubisky went 24/35 for 220 yards with one interception. It’s clear that Trubisky needs to work on the deep ball as his ability to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers downfield is troubling. Trubisky’s accuracy on paper doesn’t appear bad but it’s about the timing of his inaccuracies. When the Bears needed a play the most, Trubisky’s accuracy wavered and he struggled to convert longer downs.

Despite the third straight miraculous performance from the Bears defense, the offensive productivity is officially on notice. It looks stagnant at times and really failed to take advantage of the amenities provided by the defense. The defense though…elite.

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