Sean Desai Crafted A Near-Masterwork Vs. The Bengals

Sean Desai had his Welcome to the NFL moment in the season opener against Los Angeles. While not everything that happened against the Rams was his fault, it was a reminder of the challenges he faces. Not only going against a well-coached opponent but also making sure to have his players ready. Something that clearly wasn't the case given all the missed tackles and busted coverages. So going into Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Desai had a lot of work to do. Would he have his guys ready to play an underrated offense? The answer is yes. The Bears' defense came out on fire and outside of the final five minutes of the game absolutely wore Cincinnati out. This was the tune of four takeaways, four sacks, and allowing just 69 yards rushing. If not for two late touchdowns that weren't really Desai's fault, it would've been a true masterwork of game calling for a young defensive coordinator. Need proof? Here are a few plays from the action that demonstrated just how much of an impact he had from a scheming and calling standpoint. It was impressive stuff.

Play #1

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sean-Desai-call-1.mp4"][/video] This is a really cool design. Desai has a couple of things happening here. The most important is both edge rushers, Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn, lined up on the same side together. Then right before the snap, nickel corner Duke Shelley briefly teases he might be coming on the blitz, forcing Joe Burrow to take notice. Then he bails. At the snap, Mack rushes to the outside, forcing the left guard (#67) to carry him that way. This allows Quinn to run a stunt through a wide open gap right into Burrow's face for the sack.

Play #2

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sean-Desai-call-2.mp4"][/video] Interesting alignment here. The Bears are in man coverage with a single-high safety in Eddie Jackson. Their linebackers, Roquan Smith and Alec Ogletree are both near the line of scrimmage in such places where they can easily drop into coverage to help but also threaten the possibility of a blitz. Right before the snap, you see Ogletree step forward as if he's about to come. Then he bails and instead it's Smith who comes streaking off the right end unblocked for the sack.

Play #3

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Sean-Desai-call-3.mp4"][/video] This is where Sean Desai shows good scouting. One problem the Bengals have had with their pass protection is the inability of their running backs to consistently pick up blitzers. Joe Mixon (#28) struggled with this the week prior against Minnesota. The Bears took full advantage on this play. Desai has Akiem Hicks crash to the right, forcing the Bengals' right guard to help the center in blocking him. This puts a blitzing Ogletree 1-on-1 with Mixon. The linebacker sidesteps him with ease and gets right in the face of Burrow. The pass is deflected and lands in the waiting arms of Angelo Blackson.

Sean Desai proved he can rebound from tough outings

Matt Nagy gave the defensive coordinator the game ball after the win. Not just because the defense played well, but for how Desai was able to not let the disappointment of Week 1 get to him. Too often young coaches can let ugly games fester in their minds and it bleeds into the next week, and the next one. He never let that happen. He remained steady, corrected the issues, and had his guys flying around the field the next week. That is the mark of a good coach. It was the first true validation that the Bears made the right call making Sean Desai the replacement to Chuck Pagano. There will be many big challenges to come, starting next week in Cleveland against a really good Browns team. If Desai continues to get this sort of play from his guys? The Bears might be okay.