Stock Up, Stock Down: Bears rookies shine despite special teams woes |
Ariana Pensy
· · 2 hours ago
CHICAGO - Seeing a game like the Bears’ game against the Bengals is a rare occurrence in the NFL and one that should be thoroughly enjoyed, especially when your team comes out on the winning side.
Still, some areas could have been improved, and Chicago will look to address these issues going forward.
Special teams have struggled all season in various ways. However, the Bengals game was perhaps the worst blunder. Kicker Cairo Santos missed a 47-yard field goal, although it was negated by a penalty. His other 47-yard attempt just before halftime, which would have tied the game, was blocked. Perhaps Chicago should think about returning to Jake Moody as their kicker. Additionally, the kickoff return for a touchdown to start the game put the Bears in a hole immediately and Cincinnati’s onside kick recovery was a disaster for the special teams. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower has a lot to clean up going into Chicago’s next game against the New York Giants on Sun. Nov. 9 (Noon / FOX)
Obviously, Chicago does not want to allow 42 points every game, but looking at this game requires an understanding of who the competition was. Cincinnati has two of the most prolific receivers in the NFL, and even with an AC joint sprain, quarterback Joe Flacco has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league this year. The Bears' defense forced three turnovers, had another interception that was negated by a penalty, and held this team to just 27 points through the first 58 minutes, which is quite a feat given Cincinnati’s roster. They also had three sacks, four tackles for loss, and seven pass deflections. Therefore, there are signs of progress on this defense, and they recorded at least three turnovers for the fifth time this season. They also have two players - safety Kevin Byard and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds - with a league-leading four interceptions, and cornerback Nahshon Wright has another three interceptions. This defense has problems giving up yards and points, but when they can get turnovers, the Bears win.
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland officially had his breakout game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals had struggled against tight ends throughout the season, giving Loveland a prime opportunity to show the NFL what he is capable of, especially after fellow tight end Cole Kmet exited with a concussion. His 118 receiving yards were the second-most among tight ends last week. He also scored two touchdowns, the second of which was the game-winning touchdown. With Kmet in concussion protocol, Loveland will be expected to step up again when Chicago takes on the New York Giants.
Loveland was not the only Chicago rookie who put the NFL on notice. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai filled in for D’Andre Swift and exploded for 176 rushing yards, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt. He led the NFL in rushing last week and became the first Bears running back since Walter Payton to record at least 26 carries for at least 176 yards in a game. Furthermore, Monangai is now second all-time among Bears rookie running backs for rushing yards in a game. Given Chicago’s illustrious history of running backs, that is quite the accomplishment. The rookie class is performing quite well overall through the first eight games of the season and is expected to continue doing so as the season progresses.Special Teams - Stock Down
Defense - Stock Unchanged
Colston Loveland - Stock Up
Kyle Monangai - Stock Up
