Chicago Bears: 5 biggest takeaways from the Week 9 loss vs. the Saints
The Chicago Bears’ defense came to play on Sunday.
2. The Chicago Bears continue to show improvement on defense.
Don’t get me wrong, this defense still has to prove themselves against an elite quarterback. Derek Carr isn’t it?
With that being said, the defense played inspired football on Sunday. Even though the offense continually put the defense in bad positions in the fourth quarter, the defense stood their ground and gave us a chance to win.
Jack Sanborn, starting at the Mike linebacker in place of the injured Tremaine Edmunds, particularly looked great. He may not have the pass coverage ability of Edmunds, but he has football instincts that you can’t teach.
I think the Chicago Bears need to do what they can to give him more reps after his performance.
Jack Sanborn had a really good game yesterday. He just continues to impress. #Bears
— Bear Report (@BearReport) November 6, 2023
New Chicago Bear Montez Sweat just landed in Chicago less than a week ago but still found a way to make an impact. Andrew Billings, fresh off a contract extension, continued to be a force controlling the line of scrimmage.
The improvement of our run defense in just one season is mind-boggling. They are currently the third-best run defense in the league after being embarrassing in that department a year ago.
If the Chicago Bears can start getting to the quarterback more frequently to improve the pass defense, this unit has a chance to be special.
3. How does Velus Jones Jr. still have a roster spot?
Velus Jones continued to draw the ire of Chicago Bears fans everywhere on Sunday.
I’m starting to feel genuinely curious if he’s made more than three positive football plays for this team all season.
Whether it’s dropping the ball on offense, fumbling a punt return, making bad decisions on kick returns, or committing a penalty, Velus Jones finds a way to drive Bears fans crazy.
He was drafted to be a dynamic return man and deep threat, yet that has not panned out whatsoever. His kick return production, the one positive about him last season, has not been there so far this year.
I know he was drafted in the third round, but Ryan Poles has shown the ability to cut his losses when things aren’t working out, i.e. Chase Claypool. It’s time for Poles to do the same here and cut Velus Jones.