Stock Up, Stock Down: Caleb Williams and Bears keep rolling with win over Giants |
Ariana Pensy
· · 4 hours ago
CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears are now 6-3 and are tied with the Detroit Lions for the best record in the NFC North. Chicago also finally managed to win a game without forcing at least three turnovers. This is a win the Bears can build upon going into the rest of the season, led by their quarterback Caleb Williams.
His passing numbers are not eye-popping from Chicago’s win against the New York Giants. He completed 55.6 percent of his passes, a season low, and only threw one touchdown pass. This marks the sixth time this season Williams has thrown one touchdown or less. However, it is what is not on paper that really speaks to Williams’ value to this team. He propelled Chicago to victory against New York and gave the Bears the lead with his 17-yard rushing touchdown. The numbers do not have to be pretty for him to make sure Chicago gets the win and any quarterback that is willing to put the needs of the team ahead of his own personal goals and statistical performance is a true leader.
For the first time since the bye week, wide receiver Rome Odunze caught a touchdown against the New York Giants. His father wanted Odunze to get more targets, and Chicago delivered with 10 targets. In total, Odunze caught six of those targets for 86 yards and a touchdown, bringing his touchdown total to six on the year. Especially after having no receptions against the Cincinnati Bengals, this performance was much-needed.
Throughout the season, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus had been like a security blanket for Williams. However, he had quite the off game against New York. He finished the game with only one reception for five yards and dropped multiple passes, including a beautifully thrown touchdown. Especially for a seasoned veteran, this was quite a disappointing performance. With rookie receiver Luther Burden III on the rise, this performance could also prove costly for Zaccheaus as he could take a decreased role in the offense.
After having a breakout game against Cincinnati, rookie tight end Colston Loveland had another solid performance against New York with four receptions for 55 yards. However, the play of the game from the tight end unit will not show up on the stat sheet. Rookie running back Kyle Monangai had an impressive eight-yard touchdown. On that run, tight end Cole Kmet made a great block to help Monangai get in the end zone. The tight end unit as a whole has stepped up in the run and in the passing game. Loveland and Kmet should continue to see more action as the season progresses.
Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a welcome addition in Chicago. In two games, he already has three sacks and a forced fumble. He was signed to add depth to the secondary and has provided so much more. The concern with him when he was signed was his tendency to get into extracurricular activities on the field and be a negative influence. However, that has not been a factor in his first two games with the Bears. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has clearly enjoyed the versatility Gardner-Johnson has brought, and he should continue to play a critical role in the defense going forward.Caleb Williams - Stock Up
Rome Odunze - Stock Up
Olamide Zaccheaus - Stock Down
Tight Ends - Stock Up
C.J. Gardner-Johnson - Stock Up
