The Pivotal Play of Bears Win over Rams Was Made by Forgotten Star

The Chicago Bears defense as a whole was superb on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams. Keep in mind this was an offense that had not scored fewer than 23 points this season. No defense had come close to solving the entire puzzle. Then with a little help from the weather and a raucous Soldier Field, the Bears smothered them. In a game with many heroes on that side of the ball though, one stood above the rest: Eddie Goldman. Normally people would look to guys like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Kyle Fuller or Eddie Jackson. They even had an excuse in this game. Mack and Hicks both had sacks. Fuller and Jackson both had interceptions at key moments. Fuller to steal the ball back after Mitch Trubisky had thrown one seconds before. Jackson to prevent a crazy Hail Mary touchdown. However, the most crucial moment of the game belonged to Goldman, their unheralded nose tackle. One of the toughest times for the Bears defense all year has been the second half. People talk about the 4th quarter the most, which is fair, but the start of the 3rd quarter has also been a problem. The week before, after leading 14-10 at halftime, they let the Giants march down the field to score and make it 17-14. Many feared with the game tied 6-6 it was going to happen again. Not on Goldman's watch. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/SAFETY-@EddieGoldman-sacks-Goff-and-gives-DaBears-an-8-6-lead-LARvsCHI-on-NBC.mp4"][/video]

Eddie Goldman safety set the tone for the entire Bears' second half

The Rams had a golden opportunity. They'd kept the game tied after a terrible first half on offense. Now they had the ball to start the second. One good drive for points and they could swipe all the momentum. Things didn't start well when they were backed up from the start 13-yard line. Then they lost five yards, setting up 2nd and 15. That was when Goldman struck the decisive blow, dropping Jared Goff for a safety. That play energized both the defense and the crowd. From that point the Rams would fail to score again the rest of the game, Chicago forcing them into submission. It was such a fitting moment for the guy who does all the dirty work for that front with little of the attention from the media. Not only did Goldman have that huge sack, but he also mauled the entire Rams interior offensive line against the run, holding All-Pro back Todd Gurley to a season-low 28 yards. It's a reminder that the decision by GM Ryan Pace to lock him up to a new four-year deal this offseason was one of the team's most underrated moves.