Windy City Table: Roundtable Discussion About The Chicago Bears In Week 2

Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Chicago won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

After defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Chicago Bears have shifted their focus to the Minnesota Vikings in week 2.

Da Windy City has done the same. Though, with our roundtable discussion, we take one last look at the Bears’ previous game against Bengals and what it may mean going forward in the season.

1.What was the most impressive part of the Chicago Bears’ victory on Sunday?

• Brandon Cain: Rookie offensive linemen Kyle Long and Jordan Mills blocking throughout the game but most notably during Matt Forte’s 4th and inches 8-yard run.
• Dylan: There is no doubt Jordan Mills and Kyle Long were pleasantly surprising on the offensive line in the Bears’ victory on Sunday over the Bengals, but I thought Jay Cutler was very impressive despite the 1 INT in the game.
• Brandon Bender:There wasn’t much to be impressed about. The offense looked sloppy most of the afternoon and, if not for the Bengals’ turnovers, the game would’ve been a blowout. But man, Robbie Gould’s 58-yarder to go into halftime gave the Bears a much-needed boost.
• Jordan: There is no question that most impressive part of the Bears’ victory on Sunday was the offensive line. The Bears’ offensive line allowed no sacks against the Bengals, and the right proved more than capable on running plays. Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler was also impressive, having one of best games in a Bears’ uniform to date.

2. The Bears revamped offensive line withstood their first test on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, how good can the Bears be if their offensive line stays healthy and productive?

• Brandon Cain: With a healthy offensive line comes a healthy Matt Forte, who will be the key to the Bears new offense.
• Dylan: They stayed very solid against a very talented Bengals front 7. If the line can be that good and stay healthy, the Bears can make a deep run in the playoffs.
• Brandon Bender:Everybody knows how good the Cutler and the Bears’ offense can be, but the key to that will be the play of the O-line. It sounds crazy, but linemen never get enough credit for protecting their quarterback. They did a nice job against the Bengals by allowing only one sack in 61 dropbacks, but the offense is still one bad hit away from fading into oblivion no matter who is blocking.
• Jordan: Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are the two most important players on the Bears’ offensive line. Cutler was strong on Sunday while Forte proved his value as a multi-purpose threat. Cutler is one of the best quarterbacks in the league when he has protection. If the offensive line holds up, the Bears offense will take this team to greener fortunes.

3. Marc Trestman mentioned in his post-game press conference how he wanted to build confidence for the Bears offense in the first half against the Bengals, before letting loose in the second half. Is this a successful strategy?

• Brandon Cain: Yes, especially early on in the season.
• Dylan: Yes, it was a great strategy. Let the offense shake out the kinks of learning a new offense and then when the time comes, start to stretch it out more down the field and take some chances.
• Brandon Bender:It was ugly at times, but anybody will take a win, especially in Week 1. Winning games when they’re not at their best will help instill confidence, and confidence usually comes hand-in-hand with momentum. When the Bears have momentum, things will take off.
• Jordan: Trestman’s offensive strategy was a success on Sunday and will be for the remainder of the season. The offense could have executed better in the first half, but what was important, is that the team did not stray away from the gameplan in the second half. Trestman’s “ballsy” play-calling is something that will benefit the Bears throughout the season.