Control Impressions: Bears Lose, 34–14
2 min readSep 13, 2021
- The Bears shouldn’t have lost. They had chances to make plays and didn’t. They missed a few coverages and gave up big plays. They were in the game for three quarters and had a chance to pull it off but couldn’t put everything together.
- Obviously the defensive backfield was the big problem during the game. They missed coverages several times, and Matthew Stafford noticed and got several big touchdowns because of it. That made the difference in the game — that gave the Rams a ridiculous lead. The Bears got rid of Kyle Fuller and shouldn’t have — he’s a dynamite cover corner. He played great for Denver in a different game — they didn’t lose their game.
- Two left tackles got injured, and a third was injured before the season began. That’s three players injured in the most important position other than quarterback or pass rusher. The Bears clearly have to throw fast and try to hope someone gets healthy — fast. The players clearly want to succeed and are giving it their all — they just can’t stay healthy.
- David Montgomery plays very well. He ran for 100 yards in an awesome effort because the opposing team was built to stop the pass. The Bears had good looks for running the ball and took advantage all game. The backup, Williams, did pretty well but not as well as Montgomery. He is a fixture who can lead the offense for years to come.
- Playing Justin Fields a few plays a game is smart. It gives him experience and adds a dynamic new weapon to the offense. He ran for his first touchdown in the second half of the game, showing off the 4.4 speed that he has.
- Jimmy Graham doesn’t do much any more. Cole Kmet is the main tight end now, but it’s good to have a crafty veteran like Graham on the team. It gives them the veteran experience they need.
- The defense gave up 34 points. For the defense to be good they should give up no more than half that. I’m sorry. 34 points is on the high end of points to be allowed for a strong defense, and the Bears are supposed to be a strong defense.
- Next week is the Bengals — who barely beat the Vikings today. It should be a good, close, competitive game. I hope the Bears can show more on the defensive side of the ball week two.
- The Bears went for it on fourth down repeatedly in the middle of the field and failed repeatedly when a punt would have changed field position and immensely helped the struggling defense. Fourth downs are hard.
- Andy Dalton tried hard and did pretty well — not great, but pretty well. He’s trying. He’s a band aid until Justin Fields is ready to start.
