Chicago Bearss vs Los Angeles Rams
This game honestly wasn’t as exciting as the box score makes it look. Yes, I know it was a 17-7 game. It still wasn’t as exciting as that. The Rams had their way on the ground early, and they jumped out to a 10-0 lead. If not for a couple of untimely turnovers, this might have become an even bigger Rams lead. Either way, both teams seemed hesitant to rely on their struggling quarterbacks. The difference was that Chicago also couldn’t do anything on the ground. In the second half, the Bears offense picked up just enough to muster a single touchdown. They never got any closer though. The final result was a 17-7 LA win.
Chicago Bears
Quarterback
- Mitch Trubisky: 24/42, 190 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 sack | 1 carry, 4 yards
- Chase Daniel: 1/4, 9 yards, 2 sacks
At this point, I don’t think there is anyone left who still sees a potential star in Mitch Trubisky. He had a typical Mitch game today: he made some nice throws early while the plays were scripted, he bought some time by scrambling, and he made many more infuriating plays. There was a deep shot to Anthony Miller that would have been an 80+ yard touchdown. There was another to Tarik Cohen with a likely similar result. There was a pass thrown late to tight end Ben Braunecker. Finally, there was an option play where Trubisky left David Montomgery out to dry. I could list more, but why bother? The result was another mediocre day and a benching. That’s right: with about four minutes left in the game, the Bears benched Trubisky and put Chase Daniel in the game–despite being down only 10. Who knows what this means moving forward, but it doesn’t matter either way. Don’t start Bears quarterbacks.
Running Backs
- David Montgomery: 14 carries, 31 yards | 3 targets, 1 reception, 19 yards
- Tarik Cohen: 9 carries, 39 yards | 6 targets, 5 receptions, 35 yards, 1 TD
As bad as the passing attack was, I can’t say anything better about the ground game. The Bears O-line had trouble giving David Montgomery space, but I’ll also blame the play calling. It was obvious at times what was being called, and Montgomery never had much of a chance. Montgomery made a good catch and run, but was otherwise mostly shut down. If the Bears offense can get hot, Montgomery would be more useful. He is also still a great play in the right matchups. Otherwise? I’m nervous starting him.
Tarik Cohen had a nice day, and his usage was much better than we’ve been seeing. He was hit multiple times in open space, and he would have had a second touchdown if the aforementioned play connected. I almost forgot how great of a player Cohen is when he has space to move around.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Allen Robinson: 6 targets, 4 receptions, 15 yards
- Anthony Miller: 11 targets, 6 receptions, 54 yards
- Taylor Gabriel: 14 targets, 7 receptions, 57 yards
Allen Robinson was mostly blanketed by Jalen Ramsey, and his day was predictably quiet as a result. I counted 2 targets in the first half, and Robinson never took over like he usually does. On the catches Robinson did make, he was always tightly covered and brought down quickly.
The disappearance of Robinson left things wide open for Anthony Miller and Taylor Gabriel. Both saw 11+ targets, and both were big parts of the offense. Of the two, Anthony Miller looked more impressive. He still makes some mistakes (a bad offensive pass interference call comes to mind), but he ran good routes and found open space frequently. Taylor Gabriel was targeted early and often, starting with four looks in the first six minutes of the game. He never found much room, though, and will likely fade away when Robinson faces a better matchup.
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
- Jared Goff: 11/18, 173 yards, 1 INT | 3 carries, 3 yards
The Rams had a clear plan today: use Jared Goff as little as possible. Robert Woods was a late scratch, Brandin Cooks was still out, and this meant Cooper Kupp was the only one of the big three available. Goff made a couple good throws (a long pass to Kupp, another to Josh Reynolds) and he also made some bad plays (an interception thrown right at two defenders). Mostly, he just managed the game. Goff should not be counted on for big numbers any more.
Running Backs
- Todd Gurley: 25 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble | 3 targets, 3 receptions, 36 yards
- Malcolm Brown: 5 carries, 15 yards
Aside from his first carry of the game (the fumble), Todd Gurley had a great game tonight. He was leaned on early and often, and the Rams’ offensive line made a great push upfront. Gurley had room to run, and he used it well. He looked like the Gurley from 2018 and 2017. It’s clear that the Rams don’t trust their passing game right now, so Gurley looks like an excellent starting option. I trust him as a minimum RB2 as long as the passing game looks this bad and the offensive line looks this good.
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
- Cooper Kupp: 3 targets, 3 receptions, 53 yards
- Josh Reynolds: 6 targets, 3 receptions, 55 yards
Cooper Kupp was almost a no-show again save for one big play. He caught a 51-yard pass and was lunging for the end zone when the ball came free. It cost Kupp a touchdown and a much bigger day. He had another catch called back for holding, but that was pretty much it. Kupp is still the best weapon here, but the state of the offense is worrisome. Don’t expect much until things get back on track. Still, Kupp is still a must-start as the team’s #1.
Josh Reynolds stepped up in the absence of Cooks and Woods, and he did most of his damage late in the game. He caught a few passes as the game was winding down, and he had a 51-yard touchdown called back for illegal formation. If Cooks and Woods are still out, Reynolds is usable as a flex play. I don’t see much more than that though.
— Mike Miklius