Chicago Bears Week 16 Notes: That’s My DJ!!

An instant classic at Soldier Field, the Chicago Bears outlasted the Green Bay Packers to strengthen their grip on 1st place in the division and improve their chances at the 1 seed heading into the final two weeks of the season. Here are my notes from the massive game between the sport’s two biggest rivals:

Special Teams:

• This is the first time all season I am starting my notes with special teams, and that is simply because I feel the much-maligned group set the tone on the opening kickoff. It took mere seconds to feel the playoff atmosphere in this one, and I was just watching on TV.
• D’Marco Jackson, who didn’t scratch the stat sheet with the return of Tremaine Edmunds, jumped on top of the moving pile on that play and appeared to help cause a fumble that Chicago recovered. However, the play was ruled dead so GB maintained possession. But the crowd was engaged and energy was up.
• Josh Blackwell had a very strong game in the third phase. From one of his better kick returns all season (an area I have been critical of him) to the insanely clutch onside kick recovery late, he made his mark in week 16.
• Tory Taylor had a great game punting the ball, which ended up being crucial in such a battle of field position throughout.
• Cairo. Santos. With the wind howling like it was, for him to be as steady and reliable in this one was as clutch as it gets. No chip shots, either as he knocked them in from 46, 51 and 43 yards, respectively. Massive game for one of the all-time greats.
• His onside kick deserved its own bullet point. While I was as flummoxed as any Bears fan that they let the 2-minute warning lapse (I have my guesses as to why), it was quickly forgotten when Santos nailed such a nice onside kick. He may be from Brazil, but Cairo is Chicago through and through, and the way he performed off Lake Michigan in frigid temps reminded everyone of that.
• Coverage units came to play!
• Don’t look now, but the Bears’ weakest link is rounding into form as the season winds down and amps up for the playoffs!

Defense:

• Immediately after the opening kickoff, the defense kept the vibe lit and energy on max. They seemed ready for the run and pass, but seemed to fall apart on 3rd downs more than usual and committed some costly penalties at inopportune times.
• Grady Jarrett continues to look like the player we thought we were acquiring when we paid him handsomely this off-season. Had a couple more impact plays in this one, starting with a PBU early and multiple run stuffs throughout.
• Huge 4th down stop on the opening drive was just what the doctor ordered. When the offense failed to convert (more on that below) the momentum finally tapered off a bit and GB began to move the ball more easily.
• Austin Booker with consecutive games looking like a difference maker at DE opposite Sweat. Though he extended two drives when got flagged for roughing the passer, he was pressuring the QB all game. His helmet to helmet shot on Love was more of a product of Love lowering his head than Booker targeting, but it wiped off an awesome stunt pressure for Chicago.
• Malik Willis came in and didn’t miss a beat. Looking as good as, if not better than, Jordan Love. His athleticism hurt Chicago multiple times and his passes seemed to be on point and decisive.
• Nahshon Wright continues to make play after play during his Pro Bowl season. I expect to see him around Chicago with Dennis Allen for many years. He is playing physical against run and after catch and identifying routes consistently. Stud.
• Brisker did not have the best game. Beat a few times in coverage by Luke Musgrave and a key 15-yard penalty late, but man, he has so much love for this game and this team. His energy is infectious, much like CJGJ, and I love the way he plays.
• Speaking of CJGJ, he was victimized a coupleof times in coverage, most notably on the TD to Doubs, but he also prevented a TD in coverage against Christian Watson and was his normal fiery self all day until he seemed to get hurt heading into OT.
• Good to have Tremaine Edmunds back! Came up with a huge fumble recovery!
• TJ Edwards with a HUGE stop on a Willis run in OT after Tremaine overpursued.
• Bobbled snap sealed the fate of GB, but Chicago had pressure on the play ,and it appeared likely to be stuffed for a loss anyway. Either way, inspired play by the defense in this one.

Offense:

• Run game was on point early, setting the tone with a lethal combo of Swift and Monangai.
• Refreshing to see that Caleb was also on point early, especially after he had been struggling at the start of games this season. He was locked in and ready.
• The trick play snapping to 5’8” Monangai in the windy Chicago weather was a choice by Ben Johnson. Had we converted the whole game has a different complexion, but alas…
• That mishap not only seemed to give GB life, but also knocked the Bears out of sync for a good chunk of the game. Committing penalties, a terrible drop by Olamide Zaccheus and just general poor play.
• Monangai got things going again with a big gain on a short pass. Love the way he finishes through the chest of the defender.
• Jahdae Walker with one of the best (and most clutch) catches of the season! Cannot beat his TD celebration either.
• Not to be outdone, DJ Moore’s overtime catch on the Caleb dime was a thing of absolute cinema. SO happy for DJ. He was part of the turnaround in Chicago and had to suffer through a couple losing seasons and 3 consecutive losses to GB before we beat them last year. He has always played hard, especially against GB, and was huge in this one with two of Chicagos top WR out.