Dhruv Koul shares his in-game reactions, thoughts, and observations from the Bears-Broncos game at Mile High. Follow him on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
DENVER -- After a dispiriting loss at home to the Green Bay Packers to kick off this heavily hyped and much anticipated 2019 season, the Chicago Bears found themselves in a spot they never thought they'd find themselves in: Playing a must-win game in Week 2. That, too, on the road, in a hostile environment, in the altitude, and against a head coach who knows them oh so well: Former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The concern, of course, was with the offense. After getting stymied by the Packers' revamped defense and QB Mitch Trubisky looking more like a seventh-round rookie than a top pick, the challenge certainly wasn't 'easier' today. And teams that start 0-2 generally don't have strong prospects for the rest of the season. Here were my thoughts (Twitter thread) entering the game today:
The Bears needed the offense to support the defense today, who had a tough challenge of their own -- a strong group of Denver playmakers to defend, the 90 degree heat, and the famous altitude that Denver opponents often struggle with.
In the end, the Bears killed every Bears' fan in the final minutes and brought them back from the dead, too, winning 16-14 in unbelievable, ridiculous fashion.
I share my in-game reactions, thoughts and observations below. Follow me on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation. Enjoy!
Thoughts and Observations
1. Coming into the game, while the offense was the biggest question mark, the defense still had a thing or two to be cautious of:
On the bright side, TE Trey Burton was active, along with NT Eddie Goldman. Burton had been inactive since the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and his presence was missed in that game along with the opener against Green Bay. Hoping he is able to make a big impact in the passing game -- everyone knows the Bears could use it. Goldman showed up on the report with an oblique injury earlier this week, but luckily he's healthy enough to go.
2. The Broncos opened up the game on offense doing exactly what I thought they would -- going with a bunch of quick stuff (slants, rollout tosses to the flat, etc.) to get the ball out of Joe Flacco's hands. It worked rather well. Denver got a field goal on their opening drive to take a 3-0 lead. Bears' defense better adjust, because it's extremely similar to the Adam Gase game plan for Miami last season, and we know how that ended (in similar elements).
On the Bears' first offensive possession, Mitch Trubisky JUST missed an excellent response. He made a good throw on third and long to Tarik Cohen streaking up the seam, but Justin Simmons caught up and broke up that pass. However, if Trubisky leads him a bit further, it's a touchdown.
3. After the Bears forced a punt on the Broncos' ensuing drive, the Bears are still driving after the conclusion of the first quarter. First quarter observation of the all-important quarterback:
UPDATE: The drive ended with a 40 yard field goal by Eddy Pineiro; tied 3-3.
4. Even though the Broncos punted on their next drive, they did flip field position thanks to a 3rd-and-15 conversion that left Bears' defenders flat-footed. They need to pursue and tackle better to avoid wearing down later in the game. The altitude WILL affect the game, let alone the 90 degree temperatures. The sun is also going down in a way that shines right on the Bears' sideline only. Shades of the Miami game from last season in terms of elements yet again.
5. The Bears executed a really nice drive, staying ahead of the chains and mixing in runs and passes well. But Trubisky missed a wide open Turbo on Denver's side of the field, and a poorly executed run on third-and-short by Mike Davis led to a 52 yard FG make by Pineiro. Bears lead 6-3, but it feels like that drive should've gotten more. Trubisky needs to hit his wide open receivers.
6. Eddie Jackson is slowly but surely getting his instincts back. He jumped a Flacco pass that was so close to being a pick-six, he just missed intercepting it cleanly. Remember, this is second game back from his ankle injury suffered last December and he's already playing so well. He is elite.
7. Halftime thoughts:
8. The Bears had one of the worst drives to open the second half I've seen in a while. Two Charles Leno penalties sandwiching a free first down from Denver. Then Tarik Cohen decided to take a WR screen and run it the width of the field to try to find some space -- he lost nine yards. A disaster; as exciting as he is, Cohen HAS to be smarter than this in Year 3 in the league.
But an excellent punt by Pat O'Donnell helped with field position. POD is having a really strong start to the year -- unfortunately the Bears are calling his number way too often.
9. The refs are finally noticing *some* holds on Khalil Mack. Garret Bolles got flagged for his second hold of the game, leading to a punt. Bears still up 6-3, and it's time to make a statement.
10. On a drive where Trubisky threw the ball once, the Bears did finally crack the end zone. Spurred by Cordarrelle Patterson's big 46 yard run, the Bears ran it down Denver's throats to the goal line. A holding call in the end zone gave the Bears a fresh set of downs in a goal-to-go situation, and Montgomery finally broke through to score the Bears' first touchdown of the season. Just, wow.
11. I don't really have words for the referees ... they have made at least two egregious calls today -- an unnecessary roughness call on Leonard Floyd and a roughing call on Eddie Goldman that were TEXTBOOK ways to tackle / finish a hit. The Bears better get an apology from the league. The roughing call extended a drive that would've ended and made a field goal try that much harder. Still, Broncos convert and the Bears lead 13-6 with over 13 minutes left in the game.
12. My worst fears are coming true on defense...
AND Fangio went for it on fourth-and-two near midfield and picked it up. The Bears' defense has to be absolutely exhausted. It's a repeat of Week 6 last year.
13. Update: Kyle Fuller with a massive interception on third-and-goal to keep the Bears up seven! What a turn of events here. The Broncos were in complete control, getting ready to tie the game, burning out the Bears' defense and preparing to face a tired defense whenever the Bears' offense finished their drive. But that is a huge play.
The offense needs to do their part now and burn some clock. Ideally, they're able to at least completely flip field position or put up a FG at least to essentially ice the game. Mitch needs to be smart here.
UPDATE: Upon further review, Fuller wasn't down and that should've been a pick-six (he completed the play and ran to the end zone). Tough break, but the Broncos scoring nothing there is the biggest win.
14. Bears pick up one first down on offense and punt with a little over two minutes left. But that third down play call told a big, if unsurprising, story at this point in the year:
15. Unbelievable. They Bears are losing with 31 seconds left. They played off coverage the whole drive and allowed Denver to score a TD. The Broncos lined up to go for two and were called for a delay. Then they tried to kick an XP, missed, but Bears were offsides. Broncos go for two again and they get it. They lead 14-13. Unreal.
16. HOLY SHIT THE BEARS DID IT!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!! MITCH AND EDDY!!!!!
I can't even analyze this right now.... thoughts coming later this week. Holy fuck. Bears are 1-1.
17. Next week, the Bears travel to the nation's capital on Monday Night Football to take on Washington, who have started 0-2 on the year. Case Keenum in Jay Gruden's offense is still something to be wary about, as Keenum in Pat Shurmur's offense gave the Bears' defense fits in 2017. Expect a game plan similar to today's with Joe Flacco.
Trubisky has not historically played well in prime time, and this will be his second national showcase in the season's first three weeks. The Bears need him to play well to support the defense. And for his own sake, he needs a strong showing for confidence sake. Washington is an inferior opponent and the Bears *should* win. But it all comes down to Trubisky.
Early prediction: Bears 24, Washington 17.
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