Thread by @MichaelGus57

Bears postgame thread.

1) Wow, how far we have come from the feeling after the Cleveland game. Refreshing to say the least. I had previously talked about the fact if the Bears could manage at worst 2-4 over this 6 game stretch they could make noise this winter. Need 1-4 now.

2) Obviously that’s the floor, not the goal. This team has the makeup and feel of a team that can really peak at the right time. Memo to the NFC—better bury them early because you don’t want this defense and running game combined with a more experienced JF in January. More later.

3) I like the makeup of this offense and I think a skeleton for success is there. Lazor undeniably has a far superior grasp of personnel and game feel. This offense can work off IZ proficiency and PA. They have a stable of backs that can keep all 3 fresh and healthy for Dec.

4) Okay, enough of the rose colored glasses. This offense also must be more consistently threatening. The Raiders D isn’t very good and Bears should have put up more than 2 TDs. Quite a few early “put away” chances that fizzled to 3 n out. Consistency was there, needed some pop.

5) More to that point. I’ll give Nagy his props for being just a HC the last 2 weeks. With that said he tried really hard to be lethargic instead of conservative with a lead and let the opponent back in. Gotta put these games away and go for the knockout. Don’t leave it to chance

6) Dunking on the OL was cool and all after CLE. Reality is I think the framework for a good, long term unit is in place. The interior (even Must) looked good live and dominant in the run game. When this unit gets Jenkins and/or Borom back teams are going to have to bring more..

..guys to the box party or their fronts are liable to get straight up mauled. Will it ever be a top class pass blocking unit? Maybe, maybe not. But after getting their OTs back at minimum for the short term I can see them being a very good run blocking unit and working off that.

7) Justin wasn’t breaking any statistical records but nobody asked him to this week. What gives me confidence he’s the guy was when he was asked to be ‘that dude’ he delivered. Back to back game sealing strikes to Mooney and Kmet to effectively end the game.

8) Still with the offense I want to see more built in aggression. Not specific shot plays, but vert stems built into concepts. Challenge the shells integrity routinely while stretching it to open up other routes underneath. Let the big plays come naturally.

9) Defense is back. I think that’s safe to say. I can’t in good faith argue any part of the construction of the defensive resurgence. People dunk on Pace for Fuller but JJ is a certified baller and KF looks uh…not awesome in Denver. Maybe just maybe, Desai didn’t want him.

10) Pass rush, both starters and backups looks back to dominant levels. First time in a long time it feels like every drop back has the potential for someone to just win a rep dominantly up front and wreck the play. Same goes for the run d. Remember thinking Jacobs was a threat?

11) Another weekly Desai’s system appreciation. Man, I love the heavy quarters. Also, the creativity up front and getting Mack good looks on stunts and twists is new and refreshing. Effective too.

12) I don’t know what Jimmy Graham does to warrant being active anymore.

13) Roquan just proves every week he’s one of the best in the game. Even though the officials flag him for every remarkably clean play. How he avoids head to head contact so well and still gets flagged is criminal.

14) Dont look now but Gipson is a legit pass rush threat.

15) Speaking of depth, Bears have 3 legit HBs. Bodes well for keeping guys fresh into the winter and hedging against injury. No, Cohen isn’t an accidental omission.

16) Nagy noticeably being a HC not OC is good to see. On the side judges case all game, active talking to players.

17) Lastly, forecast. Hit on it early and finishing on it. GB next week is ‘hinge game.’ Season trajectory could take a dramatic acceleration by winning. Bears beat GB, and there are legit January conversations happening on here next week. Oh, and GB is a very winnable game.

If ya made it this far, as always thanks. A bit later today and frankly probably lower quality with things I accidentally left out that I will add when the questions and comments come. Keeping a long train of thought in a NICU isn’t easy, and I’m on 3 weeks of minimal sleep!

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