5 Studs and Duds for the Chicago Bears in Win Against Bills
The Chicago Bears advanced to 5-3 following a close victory over the winless Buffalo Bills to remain a half game behind the surging Green Bay Packers in the battle for the NFC North. During this seesaw game north of the border, five Chicago Bears players stood out as studs, while five others were clearly duds.
Stud # 1: DE Israel Idonije
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In front of his fellow Canadians, DE Israel Idonije had one of his best games as a pro. His intensity and strength were evident during the final seconds of the first half, as he blocked a Rian Lindell PAT to preserve a tenuous Bears lead heading into the half.
Later, following a disheartening Bills’ touchdown drive at the start of the 4th quarter, Idonije, along with Danieal Manning, thwarted the Bills’ two-point conversion attempt that would have put the Bears behind seven points in the final minutes.
Finally, on the penultimate Bills' possession, Idonije tore through opposing blockers to record a sack; and, six plays later, on a crucial fourth down conversion attempt, he cranked up the pressure on Fitzpatrick, who responded with an errant pass that, essentially, sealed the Bears’ victory.
Stud # 2: QB Jay Cutler
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Facing a barrage of blitzes, QB Jay Cutler overcame an anemic run game and carried the Bears’ offense on his shoulders.
Despite some early misfires, he settled in, finding his rhythm, while tossing two perfectly timed touchdown passes.
This was an impressive bounce back for the often-criticized QB in the wake of his four-pick performance against the Redskins. Cutler’s confidence and poise in the pocket allowed him to see the field clearly, as he moved the Bears up and down the field throughout the afternoon.
Moreover, when plays broke down, he wisely threw the ball away or used his deceptive speed to run for large gains that kept drives alive.
Stud # 3: WR Earl Bennett
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Since returning to the lineup four weeks ago, WR Earl Bennett has impressed fans and coaches with his precise routes and sure hands.
As defenses increasingly key in on speedster Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett has found holes in coverages and flourished in the Martz offense.
Early in the game, with Cutler under pressure, Bennett reeled in a high pass on a slant route, sustaining a drive, which eventually led to a TD pass.
Later, as the Bear faced a five-point deficit, Bennett found an opening in the corner of the end zone for a Jay Cutler TD strike that put the Bears back on top with less than seven minutes to go.
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Stud # 4: DT Tommie Harris
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The much-maligned Tommie Harris, who lost his starting job to Matt Toeaina in Week 3, enjoyed his best game of the season. The former perennial Pro Bowler demonstrated his strength and speed in the 3rd quarter to disrupt a Fred Jackson run that enabled Charles Tillman to force a fumble. The Bears would later capitalize on the turnover with a 1-yard Chester Taylor TD run.
Later, along with Israel Idonije, he converged on Ryan Fitzpatrick for his first sack of the season.
This was an important game for Tommie Harris, who Lovie Smith praised throughout the week for productive practices.
If Tommie can regain some of his trademark speed rushing ability, the Bears will become even more dangerous defensively.
Stud # 5: P Brad Maynard
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Bran Maynard is having his worst season in recent memory. Heading into the Bills game, he averaged an uncharacteristic 38.4 yards a punt. This weekend his struggles persisted on his first two boots, which netted a mere 38 yards per punt.
However, he rebounded big time with a directional punt that pinned the Bills on their one-yard line for their final drive of the game. With their backs to the end zone and no timeouts, Buffalo was unable to push the ball into field goal range.
Throughout his career in Chicago, Maynard has excelled at pinning opponents within their 10 yard line—a trend he continued against Buffalo.
Dud # 1: LG Chris Williams
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LG Chris Williams suffered through another lackluster performance on Sunday. On at least two occasions, Bills’ NT Kyle Williams bulldozed the former Vanderbilt standout to break up running plays in the backfield.
To be fair, the formidable Bills’ defender has consistently manhandled other offensive linemen this season; but, as a former first round pick, Chris Williams should have the knowledge and skills to contain an elite NFL pass rusher.
It remains too early to label Williams a bust. Nevertheless, if his poor performances persist, Chicago must look elsewhere for a LG or LT in the 2011 NFL Draft and free agency.
Dud # 2: K Robbie Gould
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The normally reliable Robbie Gould had an off performance at the Rodgers Center. In the 2nd quarter, he shanked a 42-yard field goal attempt wide right, squandering a productive Bears’ drive that should have ended with points. Keeping the Bears scoreless on the drive swung momentum back in favor of the Bills.
Additionally, on his first kickoff, he drew a penalty for slicing the ball out of bounds, while understandably trying to contain the Bills’ dynamic return man, CJ Spiller. Fortunately, for Chicago, the ensuing Bills’ drive stalled near midfield.
Dud # 3: CB Charles Tillman
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Charles Tillman remains one of the best ball strippers in the NFL. However, his pass coverage has been suspect for most of his career. In 2005, he nearly lost his starting job, following a disastrous performance against Panthers’ WR Steve Smith during the playoffs.
Since hitting his career low point, Tillman has rebounded with four solid seasons; however, yesterday, Tillman’s questionable coverage skills came into focus again, as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick moved the ball on the Bears’ corners with ease throughout the afternoon.
Making matters worse, an overly aggressive Tillman drew a costly penalty on an inexcusable late hit against Fitzpatrick, while the QB stepped out of bounds after a run in the final minutes of the 2nd quarter. The penalty helped spark a drive that Fitzpatrick capped with a 14-yard TD strike to WR Roscoe Parrish.
Dud # 4: DE Julius Peppers
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Thus far, Julius Peppers has been an excellent free agent acquisition for Chicago. Even though he has compiled just two sacks this season, the defensive superstar has more than compensated by generating consistent pressure on opposing QBs, while drawing double teams that have boosted the production of his fellow defensive linemen, most notably Israel Idonije.
However, against an inexperienced Bills offensive line that Peppers should have dominated, the speed rusher disappeared at times. Consequently, Ryan Fitzpatrick dinked and dunked his way to 299 yards passing. Fitzpatrick was finally vanquished late in the 2nd half, when the Bears dialed up blitzes to increase the pressure.
Dud # 5: RB Matt Forte
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Since joining the Bears in 2008, RB Matt Forte has demonstrated excellent versatility in the running and passing game. He possesses all of the traits of an ideal third down back, namely good hands and solid blocking skills.
As the primary running back, however, he has struggled to demonstrate consistent productivity. In his three NFL seasons, the former Tulane superstar has averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry.
Whether Forte's low production is the result of the Bears’ patchwork offensive line remains unclear. But yesterday, Forte was unable to find holes against the NFL’s worst rushing defense, which, just a week ago, allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to amass 254 yards on the ground.
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