Which Chicago Bears players were winners from their Week 3 win vs. Texans?

Player two: Roquan Smith

After a bit of a shaky start, Roquan Smith ended up having one of his best career games. He finished with 16 total tackles to go along with the game-sealing interception off of a tipped pass. He showed up when the team needed him most, and he demonstrated why he chose to bet on himself in a contract year.

Smith was on the duds list last week because he was targeted in the Packers’ running game scheme. This week, with a Texans team that loves to run the ball, Smith turned the table on that narrative and was a force in stopping the run. While the team as a whole did not come off great in run defense, Smith was a presence by covering the ground, filling the correct gaps, and showing his athleticism to make tough tackles and big hits.

If the Bears are going to be this slow on offense, the defense will be on the field a lot. That was the case today and the leader of this new look defense showed up. On a day when the Chicago Bears were unable to get much pressure on the opposing quarterback, the linebackers had to play a huge role in limiting plays from getting past the second level.

Both Nicholas Morrow and Smith had good games, but Smith showed why he is one of the true elite linebackers in the league. The Chicago Bears are going to need this type of consistency from Smith due to the lack of start talent around the team, especially on defense. If today’s performance by Roquan Smith said anything, it was that Smith is learning the new position and defense quickly.