Bears News: Dalman on cleaning up penalties, McCloud on facing Ja’Marr Chase

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 2 hours ago

CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears’ four-game winning streak came to an abrupt end after losing 30-16 to the Baltimore Ravens this past Sunday. Penalties were once again an issue as the Bears had 11 penalties in this game, bringing their total to 64 penalties in the first seven games.

“I think it’s tough to point at any one thing. I think as a whole and definitely for myself included, I’ve had issues with that; it takes that consistent focus and processing the order of events, and we have a lot of things that need to happen post-snap,” center Drew Dalman said. “But, the focus needs to be pre-snap initially, then transition to during the snap, and then post-snap. So, I think really hammering down that chain of focus will help us.”

Penalties have been a problem for numerous players, including Dalman, who has two penalties this year - a hold and a false start. However, that has not been Chicago’s only challenge on offense, as they are also struggling with execution. One such play was when the Bears attempted a quarterback sneak from the Baltimore one-yard line and failed to score. Dalman attributed that to the need to improve technique and generate movement on the line.

“I think in that particular one, we can do a better job of generating movement up front and kind of create more of a dent in the center, and so, I think that’ll be a focus for us going forward, as far as technique-wise, what we can do,” Dalman said. “Certainly, we’re all straining and doing our best, but we can direct it a little bit better and be more effective at creating some more movement.”

The running game also stalled for Chicago against Baltimore after having a lot of success on the ground against the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints. However, rookie running back Kyle Monangai continues to make progress, as evidenced by his latest game, which featured a run of over 10 yards.

“All our running backs do a phenomenal job. I think (as) an o-line and as an offense have a ton of confidence in all those guys, no matter who has the ball in their hands,” Dalman said. “But, it’s awesome to see guys play hard and be rewarded for that and do well and execute well.”

Defensively, Chicago’s secondary struggled without their top three players - Jaylon Johnson, who is on injured reserve (IR), Kyler Gordon, who was recently added to IR, and Tyrique Stevenson. The constant injury issues in the secondary have allowed cornerback Nick McCloud to play in every game this year, including four starts.

With the exception of the season opener, every ball that has been thrown toward McCloud has led to a completion. However, the Ravens opted not to throw the ball in McCloud’s direction. He also continues to get opportunities on special teams. Especially as an undrafted player, McCloud looks for opportunities wherever he can get them.

“I feel like when I’ve been in there, I stepped in and (did) my job. Obviously, (there’s) always going to be some plays here and there that I want back. Back, (just) opportunity, not getting too high, not getting too low when things are going good or when things are going bad. So, just taking it one day at a time,” McCloud said. “We definitely feel like we got everything we need right now to go out there and make plays and do what we need to do to help the team win.”

McCloud started his career with the Cincinnati Bengals in the same rookie class as elite wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Chase has been on a tear since Joe Flacco took over as quarterback, and now, without multiple starting players in the secondary, the Bears will have to hold him in check on Sun. Nov. 2 (Noon / CBS)

“Just a competitor. We were in the same rookie class. So, definitely just being around him, definitely a competitor, strong, can do everything before the catch, after the catch, no matter what … Premier wide receiver. He can do everything out there. So, just having that mindset to just go in there and go compete,” McCloud said. “He’s really strong. He’s a lot faster than what people think he is, strong hands, strong in his route, strong out of his break. So, just his ability to combine his speed and his size. So, those are the biggest two things really.”