A 1-0 start
According to the new NFL calendar Lovie Smith unveiled last week, the Bears won their season opener. They did so by beating an inferior team that was even worse Sunday than the officiating — and the refs had a bad day. The Bears’ 24-point romp should offer relief followed by encouragement, but let’s not get carried away. The Bears proved they still can play defense — when interested. They still can run the football. They still are in first place.
Same guys, different ‘D’
Think the Bears’ defense came ready to play? Eight of the Rams’ first 12 plays went for negative yardage. The Rams were sacked three times the first seven times they dropped back to pass. The Rams had 14 rushing yards on 19 carries. Nothing cures an ailing defense quite like five sacks and four interceptions, even against a horrible team. Mike Brown still is right: This isn’t the defense it used to be. But as long as the Bears don’t overdo it, the defense can use this dominant performance to restore some of the confidence lost in Wisconsin.
New wrinkles
Bears coaches responded with the urgency required of a team coming off two straight losses. Much was made about Devin Hester losing his job returning kickoffs, but the Bears increased his role on offense. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner got creative, using Hester on a reverse as well as finally having him take the direct snap in the “Wildcat” formation. On defense, well-timed stunts ignited the defensive ends. On special teams, Danieal Manning sparked the return game. New contributors Adrian Peterson, Brandon Rideau and Anthony Adams showed a willingness by the Bears to try new combinations. It worked.
Fresh Forte
Matt Forte again was fabulous, gaining 132 yards rushing on 20 carries and passing Gale Sayers into fourth place on the list of most rushing yards by a Bears rookie. He fumbled for the first time this season, but it didn’t matter. Before you could say Oshiomogho Atogwe, Forte had faked his way past the Rams safety on a 47-yard TD run, his longest since opening night. The Vikings have Adrian Peterson. The Packers have Ryan Grant. And the Bears feel good about their own franchise running back.
