The Bears faced their toughest test so far, the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts’ offensive and defensive lines led them to victory. On the contrary, the Bears’ trench players just couldn’t match up as they fell for the first time in 2020 with a final score of 19-11.
The Colts offensive line is one of the best in the league, and the Bears defensive line couldn’t match their brute force. The Colts didn’t have a monster rushing game. They rushed for 103YDS 38CAR 2.7AVG, but that constant thumping on the Bears line really affected the pass rush. As impressive as the Bears’ linebacking corps of Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Robert Quinn, Roquan Smith, and Danny Trevathan are, they could only muster one sack on QB Phillip Rivers. The Colts were able to hold onto clean pocket after clean pocket anytime Rivers needed to throw.
The Colts defensive line embarrassed the Bears’ offensive line, which in turn made QB Nick Foles (26-42 249YDS 5.9AVG 1TD 1INT 1SACK 42.5QBR 76.4RTG) look worse than when he came in last week. Foles may have only been sacked once, but he never had a clean pocket. He was never given the time to get into any sort of rhythm with the offense. T Charles Leno didn’t block DL Justin Houston once throughout the game. The Bears’ rush game also suffered. They only managed to rush for 28YDS in 16CAR.
One standout player that I was really excited to see was Bears’ LB Roquan Smith. The defense did all it could today, but Smith (13TOT 11SOLO 3TFL) was always in the right spot at the right time. I am glad to see him playing well and hope his offfield issues have been resolved. If he is able to focus on the field this season, Smith has all the talent to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
Another player that should be talked about is the Bears’ best offensive player, WR Allen Robinson. Robinson, needs to get paid. Robinson (7REC 101YDS 14.4AVG 1TD 10TGTS) was the only consistent player on this awful offense. He has been the one consistent offensive force on the Bears since 2018. Ryan Pace, please pay this man. Free agency is inching closer and he is putting on a showcase everytime he step on the field. If the Bears don’t pay him, others in the league will. PLEASE PAY ALLEN ROBINSON!
The Bears have a short week before playing in primetime on Thursday night. They will be facing the GOAT, QB Tom Brady, and the Buccaneers. The Buccs are riding a three-game win streak and have a great defensive line that will be putting this offensive line to the test. Coach Matt Nagy has to get this team back on track or fall to 3-2 after Thursday night.