Usa news

Bears’ grades are in. Who aced the test in 24-15 upset of Eagles?

What marks do the Bears get after their 24-15 win against the Eagles in Philadelphia?

QUARTERBACK — C

Caleb Williams has a knack for saving his best for last, and he did it again with a gorgeous 28-yard connection to tight end Cole Kmet thrown perfectly while rolling to his left for a nail-in-the-coffin touchdown. On the Bears’ previous possession, just before the end of the third quarter, Williams kept a touchdown drive alive with a fourth-down completion to tight end Colston Loveland. That’s pretty much the “good” list right there. Earlier, Williams missed Olamide Zaccheaus and Rome Odunze for what could have been TDs. He sailed consecutive passes over the heads of Loveland and Odunze. He threw one off the helmet of defensive tackle Jalen Carter that bounded into the air and easily could’ve been picked off. Williams had one terrible play, a screen pass he put no air under, allowing pass-rushing Jalyx Hunt to reach right up and intercept it. In all — on a windy day — he completed fewer than 50% of his throws and finished with a lowly 56.9 rating.

RUNNING BACKS — A-PLUS

It’s nickname time for D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who became the first Bears duo to rush for 100 yards apiece in a game since some dudes named Payton and Suhey in 1985. How about “Fast and Furious”? Or maybe we can just leave them alone to stick to what they’re doing. Swift ran for 125 yards (6.9 per carry) and a touchdown, and Monangai 130 (5.9) and a TD. That’s ridiculous, people.

OFFENSIVE LINE — A

They say it’s better when you don’t even know the O-linemen’s names, the thinking being you hear them only when mistakes are being made. Well, let’s shoo that nonsense aside and give credit where it’s due — and that goes across the board after a game like this one. The right side of the line, tackle Darnell Wright and guard Jonah Jackson, dominated in the run game. Center Drew Dalman and left guard Joe Thuney looked like high-end guys who’ve done this before. Even rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo held up well, for the most part. In all, a banner day.

SECONDARY — A

It can’t be described as perfect considering the Eagles’ A.J. Brown had 10 catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns, but a good bit of that damage came after the Bears had taken control. Safety Kevin Byard III picked off his league-leading sixth pass on a beautiful diving play enabled by cornerback Kyler Gordon’s sticky coverage on Brown. Corner Nahshon Wright, who has been a big-play revelation, foiled a Tush Push by ripping the ball out of QB Jalen Hurts’ hands for a turnover.

COACHES — A-PLUS

How good does Ben Johnson look after the way his offense ran the ball on Vic Fangio’s defense? And how good does Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen look compared with Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo, who’s still being booed? Nobody gives out any coach of the year awards in Week 13, but Johnson might have the best chance of anybody now.

Two months ago, Johnson wondered whether he would be healthy enough to play again this season.
The well known hot dog stand in Lincoln Park already had a giveaway in September after quarterback Caleb Williams threw four touchdown passes.
Running the ball down the champs’ throats is worth has to be worth at least one A-plus, does it not?
Exit mobile version