The Chicago Bears did not erase Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Monday night. They survived his best punch, adjusted, then took him out of the game when it mattered most.
That distinction matters. JSN still finished the game with six catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, but he wasn't the offensive juggernaut that he usually is. The Bears didn't completely shut him out of the game, and he was still effective, but it wasn't enough to overcome Chicago. It was proof that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can see a problem forming in real time, and fix it before it decides the game.
The first half looked like a warning
Smith-Njigba had four catches for 92 yards by halftime, and his 43-yard touchdown beat Tyrique Stevenson on a nice double move that single-handedly exposed Stevenson's woes. That was the fear going into Seattle. The Bears could control long stretches, hit Sam Darnold, and still watch one receiver flip the game on two or three explosive plays.
Seattle had the league's most dangerous receiver in rhythm, and Chicago's secondary had given him enough space to do some damage. If that version of JSN had lasted all four quarters, the bears would have been chasing at the end of the game, not the other way around.
After the half, JSN caught only two passes for 26 yards, and the Bears were especially efficient at getting to the quarterback. The advent of Jeffery Simmons had a genuine effect, and as a result, Montez Sweat slammed the pocket repeatedly.
With Darnold's window to throw the ball shorter, the Bears didn't have as big of a problem in the secondary. That's were Allen earned his money. The Bears don't need a cornerback to win a hopeless one-on-one matchup with one of the most impressive receivers in the game if the quarterback never has a chance to throw the ball.
Chicago also slammed the door situationally, and Seattle didn't have the answers. The Seahawks finished with 252 yards and went 1 for 11 on third down. They also only managed just under 25 minutes of possession to the Bears 35 minutes.
That kind of in-game problem solving is what separates a good defense from one that can carry a contender through January. Tampa Bay will test Chicago on the ground Sunday night, but Seattle proved this group can spot the danger, adjust, and finish the job.
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