5 Critical Takeaways from Chicago Bears' Monday Night Performance

The Chicago Bears have only played three games this season, but they have already been hit with the injury bug.

Last week against the San Francisco 49ers, the team lost cornerback Charles Tillman for the season with a ruptured right triceps injury. On Monday night against the New York Jets, Bears safety Chris Conte (shoulder) and fullback Tony Fiammetta (hamstring) were both injured, and neither returned to the game.

Despite the injuries, the Bears were able to defeat the Jets 27-19. The Jets had an opportunity to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Geno Smith threw a pass, but receiver Jeremy Kerley was out of bounds when he jumped and caught Smith's pass on fourth down. 

The Bears are now 2-1 heading into their first rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers. Here are the five takeaways from the Bears’ Monday night win over the Jets. 

Jay Cutler Is Playing Like an Elite Quarterback

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So far this season, Jay Cutler has been playing some of his best football since entering the league. On Monday night, the quarterback ended the game 23-of-38 for 225 yards, two touchdowns and with a quarterback rating of 94.7. Cutler also didn't throw an interception for the second straight game. 

Unlike in the past, Cutler is making smarter decisions with the football and isn't forcing the ball into coverage. Cutler and head coach Marc Trestman knew the Jets secondary was the weakness of New York's defense, and Cutler was able to execute the game plan to perfection.

Cutler has thrown 750 yards, eight touchdowns and only two interceptions so far this season. He is also the ninth-rated passer in the NFL after three games. 

It is early, but Cutler is on pace to have the best season of his career. If he continues to take care of the football, Cutler could be considered a top 10 quarterback by season's end.

Kyle Fuller Draft Pick Wasn't so Bad

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When the Bears lost Tillman for the season, many thought the team's secondary would take a major hit. Rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller has stepped in nicely and has become the team’s best cornerback.

It is only a small sample size, but Fuller leads the NFL with three interceptions on the season. Pro Football Focus gave him a plus-5.0 grade for his performance against the Jets on Monday night. 

Fuller finished the game with seven tackles, an interception and two forced fumbles. Heading into the 2014 NFL draft, Fuller didn't have the notoriety of Jadeveon Clowney or Khalil Mack, but he is playing better than any rookie defensive player in the league. 

It is only three games, but Kyle Fuller is starting to build his case for Defensive Rookie of the Year. 

Bears Running Game Is Still a Problem

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The biggest problem for the Bears so far this season is their lack of a rushing attack.

Running back Matt Forte finished Monday night’s game with 33 yards on 13 carries. If you combined that with the 21 yards he gained on 12 carries in last week's win over the San Francisco 49ers, the 54 yards are Forte's lowest in consecutive games since the 2011 season.

Some people may say the Bears rushing attack has been hurt by injuries to center Roberto Garza and left guard Matt Slauson. While both players are considered two of the Bears' better offensive linemen, the team has faced some excellent defensive lines the past two weeks. 

The 49ers and Jets have two of the most physical defensive lines in the NFL. So with the Bears' injuries on their offensive line, they have had a hard time matching up with physical defensive lines.

While Cutler has been as good as any quarterback in the NFL so far this season, you don't want him throwing the ball every down. At some point the Bears running attack will need to perform better if Chicago has aspirations to make it to the postseason. 

The Rush Defense Has Improved

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The Jets' backfield tandem of Chris Johnson and Chris Ivory was held in check on Monday night. The running back duo had a combined 78 yards on the ground, and neither player ever really got going. 

Linebacker Jon Bostic had an outstanding game as he finished with 13 tackles. Defensive end Jared Allen also played well against the run as he had four run stops on the night.

Rookies Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton have both played well in relief of Jeremiah Ratliff.

Since giving up 193 rushing yards against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1, the Bears' rushing defense has played much better. While the Bears aren't the best run-stopping team in the league, they have certainly improved in the last two weeks. The team will be tested next week as running back Eddie Lacy and the Packers come to town.

Coach Marc Trestman Is Ready for the Green Bay Packers

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No matter who you play in the NFL, winning back-to-back games is no easy feat. After losing at home to the Bills in Week 1, Trestman appears to have the Bears motivated and prepared. 

ESPN Chicago personality Michael Wilbon said, "The Bears are in darned good shape three games into the new season," and he is right.

The Bears have a number of injuries to key starters, but yet they have found a way to win two big road games. Now at 2-1 and tied with the Detroit Lions atop the NFC North, the Bears will host the Packers in a key divisional matchup. 

Packers are 1-2 and are coming off a 19-7 loss to the Lions in Week 3. Trestman knows how big this game is for the Bears. 

If they can defeat the Packers and go up two games on them in the division, that will be huge early on in the season. 

Whatever Trestman is doing the last two games has worked for the Bears. So expect a well-coached and disciplined team against the Packers next week.  

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