Which Chicago Bears players were winners in Week 2 vs. Bucs?

The Chicago Bears fall to 0-2 on the season with a tough loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but at least this week there were some noteworthy performances to highlight.
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
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Chicago Bears, Rasheem Green
Chicago Bears, Rasheem Green / Michael Reaves/GettyImages

Chicago Bears Week 2 Winner No. 3: Rasheem Green

The Chicago Bears defensive line played somewhat better today. They did not allow any huge runs and they were able to generate some pressure. Sure, the defense blitzed a lot more as a unit today, but the energy and effort on the defensive line looked a lot better. They were not able to hit home enough on Baker Mayfield, but one player that stood out was Rasheem Green, who made some key plays.

One of the biggest problems we saw last week was players not winning their one-on-one matchups. That was a huge problem, especially on third downs. Jordan Love was able to camp behind a wall because the defensive front could not generate any pressure. Green today did his job in terms of winning those one-on-one reps, which is what Matt Eberflus preached this week. He did not register a sack, but he had some key pressures on Baker Mayfield that made him a bit uncomfortable on some throws, especially on third down.

The lack of pass-rush talent on the defensive line is clear. Even the rookie interior linemen have not shown much in that department yet. The edge rushers are supposed to be the strength of the defensive front if you can call it that. This week there were some actual flashes from Green, as well as DeMarcus Walker and Yannick Ngakoue. Green had the best game of the three, mostly due to his high motor and ability to win his one-on-ones.

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The big play for Green was also the key field goal block early in the game on a 40-yard attempt. That is the kind of play that can not only spark the team but can also be a deciding factor in a close game. While the Bears' offense failed lately, credit has to be given to the defense for getting the job done in some key spots, with Rasheem Green doing some really good work for what his role is.