Lots of punts and lots of defense. Not too shocking. We're all aware that Bears are a formidable defense and were playing Chase Daniel, a backup quarterback making his debut since 2014. on the road and College Football 25 Coins on one of the most short weeks. They also had a short week. Lions offensive line has struggled this season against good defenses. Detroit is without Kerryon Johnson during the game too. There turned out to be Bears 9-7 at halftime. It was 16-16 by the end of the 4th half before a pick six for Bears Safety Eddie Jackson helped them win the game 23-16.
There are a few lessons to be learned in this particular game. The first is that I've always been reluctant to join the Bears wagon because there's something I can't buy about Mitch Trubisky. It's true that the Bears are the best team in the opening game, and better in the first quarter. They've led at the half in every game before they get slowed down in the second quarter. Are they doing this because Trubisky's not on his opening line of script or Matt Nagy is off his script and therefore not as efficient? I'd prefer to think that Trubisky being off , as the times he's demonstrated that he'll make mistakes on throws. As good as the Bears defense has been, in 2018 your quarterback and offense should be playing at a high standard to beat the playoffs.
However, I believe that it's now the time to get behind the Bears, who are still one year away from Super Bowl contention. The Lions may be dead right now but Chicago played on the road to play a division rival the backup quarterback in one week, and took the win. That's huge. Washington would have been unable to do it.
Yesterday, Chase Daniel showed why he routinely gets paid big cash to be a backup. He finished 27-37 with 230 yards . He also scored two touchdowns. The game demonstrated that Matt Nagy is a legit coach. It's not like he was before, but the Bears offense was able work under those circumstances. They didn't really have a run game and still played with guys who were open all day.
Nagy has made some subtle adjustments in the game , which I would say were vital and frequently overlooked. In the beginning they tried some deeper passes however, Chase was a bit off. This isn't surprising since he's barely worked with these wide receivers during practice with full force. In the second quarter, these went away. Shorter throws and easier completions. Excellent adjustments.
The Bears defense entered the game as the best defensive unit in College Football 25 because they can do it all. They have 34 sacks, and are only allowing 3.6 yards per carry, tied with the Saints for the best defense in the College Football 25. What elevates their defense from good to fantastic is the errors. They've been able to force 29 turnovers, which includes 20 interceptions. Scores were recorded on six of them.
Although this is one of offensive teams, the Bears are most likely the only defense in the league that can hang with the Saints in the playoffs , and they have a shot.
The worst thing that can happen is taking place to the Cowboys at the moment.
They're winning. What's wrong with that? It's because Jason Garrett might keep his job if they win the NFC East, and Garrett is not a good choice to continue his position. I've written previously about this.
The offense is pretty bland. It's improved with the inclusion of Amari Cooper, but it's not that different. It's Amari Cooper playing. Thursday was a good illustration.
The first touchdown was just a short catch and long run. The second was an excellent catch in triple coverage and Cooper eventually broke free and was able to bring it home. Cooper's been a good first-round draft selection so far, and people like me who claimed he wasn't have to accept the truth. Although Cooper has helped make the offense more efficient however, I'm not convinced that he's changed Dak Prescott any more effective.
What Cooper has done is opened up the run game a little. Patchwork Cowboys offensive line was able to run well yesterday. That used to be their strategy for success and they are getting back to it. But , again, they've got one formula that works. That's not a recipe which will help them win in the long run , however.
The best thing the Cowboys have going for them is their defense. It's fast. It's physical, and they can easily thwart passers. It's their defense that gives them a NCAA Football Coins chance to win every single week. I am awed by watching the defense play. They take on the Saints on Thursday which means they'll be facing the most rigorous test. We'll be able assess them better following the game.
