The Chicago Bears were able to hold on and win their first game of the season versus the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 20-17. It was another one of those “win ugly” games, but the defense played strong in the clutch and the offense did enough to put the game away late.
The defense carried the Chicago Bears to their win over the Bengals
Chicago Bears Winner No. 1: Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith has solidified himself as a top-five, possibly even top-three linebacker in the NFL. It was a shame that the NFL did not include him in their top 100 players list. It is amazing how disrespected he has been over the last couple of years even though he has not only improved each year, but he has also put up numbers that would rank him at the top of the league.
Against the Bengals, Roquan finished with eight total tackles, one sack, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown. It felt like he was all over the field throughout the entire game. He was good against the run as always and was flying around the field in pass coverage. Roquan is really an all-tool linebacker and he consistently shows it every week.
Sean Desai did a good job of scheming Roquan to be in spots where he could make plays, whether it was having the middle linebacker blitz on third down or bluff a blitz. Also, his speed and athleticism allow the coaches to trust him against running backs and tight ends, and possibly even some receivers.
There was one play where Roquan was in man coverage on the boundary against Joe Mixon, and the play resulted in a pass breakup by a nearby defender.
As the weeks go on, expect Roquan to continue to make game-changing plays as he continues to see the field better and better. The fourth-year pro is making his case as the top linebacker in the league, and soon could be labeled the Bears’ best defensive player if he keeps up this type of play.
Roquan Smith is a huge winner coming out of Week 2 and has put himself in a position for a nice payday come extension time with how he has been playing this year so far and going back to last year.