The Chicago Bears recorded a W in the column against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15, despite fearsome edge rusher Myles Garret making his bid for most sacks in a season.
The Bears' rookies made a significant impact this week, helping Chicago secure a decisive victory over the Browns. Thanks to their efforts, the Bears are one step closer to the postseason and back at the top of the NFC North.
Breakout Battle
The Bears faced an unfortunate setback during pre-game warmups, ruling out wide receiver Rome Odunze, Caleb Williams' favorite target. This provided room for the rest of the receiver room to flourish and show their chops. Luther Burden III had his most prominent game yet, leading the Bears on the day with six receptions on seven targets, for a total of 84 yards.
Burden III was all over for Williams, providing the young quarterback with a viable reception target. This was Burden's finest game in a Bears uniform, and he played a significant part in their victory. Unfortunately, Burden III left the game in the third quarter due to an ankle injury.
Tight end Colston Loveland provided his usual reliability, connecting with four receptions on five targets for a total of a respectable 64 yards. Loveland and Burden III combined for a total of 147 yards themselves, another sign of a functioning rookie class.
In weather as cold as it was in Chicago yesterday, especially for players not as accustomed to the cold as others, they did exceptionally well. Head coach Ben Johnson has utilized Loveland in clever plays, frequently motioning to a better blocking position.
Rookie running back Kyle Monangai took a backseat behind veteran RB D'Andre Swift this week, providing relief when Swift needed it. The two have combined for a one-two punch that has become lethal in recent weeks, even possibly being responsible for the Bears' victory in Philadelphia some weeks ago.
On the day, Monangai posted 33 yards on 11 carries. Together with Swift, the run duo produced 131 yards of offense, contributing to the Bears reputation as one of the best running teams in football.
It's difficult to track the participation of linemen such as rookie Ozzy Trapilo, who made a start at left tackle. Trapilo was called for a false start in the third quarter, but overall, the offensive line did a stellar job of protecting their quarterback. The Bears had a tough job defending against Myles Garret's sacking ability, but allowing only three sacks was sufficient for Chicago to win the day.
This game was winnable on the schedule before it started, but that doesn't take away its importance. With the Bears falling short of the Packers the week prior, it was all the more important for Chicago to collect any win they could, especially in a week where both the Lions and Packers collected losses.
Read more: Caleb Williams did something no other QB has ever done in win over Browns
With the Packers returning to Soldier Field for their second matchup with the Bears in 14 days, the seeding of the NFC hangs in the balance. If the Bears can put together a performance as they did against Cleveland, they'll have no issues hanging on to their lead in the NFC North.