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Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets: 10 Things We Learned
December 27, 2010Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets: 10 Things We Learned
The Chicago Bears hosted the New York Jets Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field and after the smoke cleared and it was over ,it had ended up being a pretty good shootout with the Bears winning the game 38-34. Chicago’s offense was on fire for a better part of the game while their defense had a hard time stopping the Jets. They ended up allowing the second biggest point total of the season (the Bears defense), but luckily their offense was up to the task of keeping them in the game and helping them get that second or first seed.
So what did the Bears do right in this game? What did they do wrong? What did we learn about the Bears on Sunday afternoon?
Let’s find out as we take a look at ten things that we learned about the Bears in their game against the Jets on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Johnny Knox May Be the Bears No. 1 Wide Receiver
Did you see the plays that Knox and quarterback Jay Cutler were making together during the game on Sunday? Remember earlier this year when these two combined for some great plays in the passing game? It appears as if both Knox and Cutler are starting to feel that magic again and this could really help the Bears as they go into the postseason.
Devin Hester Can Change Games
This one may seem like a no-brainer but in each and every game, people start to realize that Hester is truly a game changer and we saw that in their game against the Jets. Each and every time he was able to get his hands on the ball in this game he made a difference. He did well on special teams and was also able to catch a touchdown pass from Cutler. Hester can be considered one of the best game changers in the NFL right now.
The Bears' Passing Game Is Starting to Work Well
In the past two games, quarterback Jay Cutler has thrown a total of six touchdowns in the last two games and has helped lead the Bears to two consecutive 35 plus point games. Cutler is not only finding his targets better but his receivers are running better routes and that is really helping him connect with them further especially on some deep routes. If the Bears continue to find this kind of success in the playoffs, they could be tough to beat.
The Bears Rushing Attack Is a Quiet Killer
Did anyone realize that running back Matt Forte rushed for over 100 yards in this game and has rushed for a total of 978 yards this season so far. He has become a real asset in the running game as well as in the passing game and the Bears have used him very effectively since their bye week. If they continue to use him like they have been when they get to the playoffs, he will increase the chances of the Bears winning and getting to a Super Bowl.
The Front Four Needs to Get Pressure
When the Bears front four fails to get adequate pass pressure, the Bears' defense becomes very vulnerable to quick passes and the secondary can be picked apart at times with seeming ease. We saw the Patriots do it to them a few weeks ago and we saw the Jets do it this Sunday. The front four has to get pressure on the opposing passer or the defense will falter and the Bears will lose games.
Chris Harris Is Better Than People Give Him Credit For
People have been on Harris’ case all season and granted, sometimes he needed to be criticized for some of the plays that he made (or didn’t make) but over the past four games, Harris has risen up and played very well on defense. From his stop of Vikings running back Toby Gerhart on third and short last Monday night to his last minute interception this Sunday to seal the win for the Bears, Harris has been proving himself time and again for the Bears.
Robbie Gould Needs to Make Those Shorter Kicks
Gould’s miss on Sunday was on a field goal that he really should have made and there have been times when he has struggled kicking field goals. That isn’t going to cut it in the playoffs, especially when the Bears play outside and the weather is rough. He has to make those kicks every time. Hopefully he realizes that and kicks better in the Bears playoff games coming up soon.
The Bears Can Defend Against the Run
The Jets came into this game with one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL and the Bears held them to a total of 124 yards on the ground (with no 100 yard rusher) which was better than a lot of teams could do this season. While the Bear’s front four may not have gotten a lot of pressure they sure did a nice job of stopping the run and have done well with that all season.
Chicago Can Still Get the Number One Seed in the Playoffs
If the Bears end up winning their next game against the Packers and if the Falcons lose their next two games (tonight against the New Orleans Saints and next week against the Carolina Panthers) coupled with a Saints loss next week (to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) the Bears will earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs and that would be nice if it happens. Sure, it may appear as if the odds are stacked against them but anything is possible.
The Bears Can Get to the Super Bowl
Sure, the playoffs haven’t even started yet and there are people out there who would probably think I was crazy by suggesting that the Bears would make it to the Super Bowl, but anything is possible. They have played some very good games this season (and some not so good games) but this team is hungry and could get through the playoffs and onto the Super Bowl. If they do, it will be one of most miraculous seasons in the team’s long history and could go down as one of it’s most successful.