9/2 and 3 road wins in a row...

Another "ugly" win, but any of them is better than a loss. Chicago, for all its troubles, has been trending up lately, and NFCN divisional games are typically tough as hell.

No surprise that today's was stressful for all involved, it's par for the course in our division. I admit that I love and loathe that about the NFCN in equal measure.

Good Sam is better than anyone seemed to expect, though he does hold the ball as long as anyone and is determined to fire lasers to JJ while he's triple covered. I know that he's pushed to do so by Jefferson himself, but today showed reminders of why things like the "Randy Ratio" don't work nearly as well in reality as they do on stat sheets.

Our D was split seconds from several turnovers, all game long...so, I hope that is tightened further for the remaining games.

We definitely can play with anyone, and have a big home stand ahead. It looks very possible that we can turn our week 18 kittens rematch into a fight for the division AND the #1 seed. Gotta love it!

How do other teams studs still make a big impact? JJs impact is seen in the others stats, but there has to be something that KOC is missing in the play designs for JJs role to be reduced to decoy, and with the other teams using 2 or more guys on JJ, there needs to be more wide open looks for the others, yet it still seems that most the time we are struggling. Is Darnold that slow at reading the D, or are our routes not taking advantage of the help teams are throwing at JJ often enough?

JimmyinSD wrote:
How do other teams studs still make a big impact?  JJs impact is seen in the others stats,  but there has to be something that KOC is missing in the play designs for JJs role to be reduced to decoy, and with the other teams using 2 or more guys on JJ,  there needs to be more wide open looks for the others,  yet it still seems that most the time we are struggling.  Is Darnold that slow at reading the D,  or are our routes not taking advantage of the help teams are throwing at JJ often enough?

JJ is on a 3 game cold streak (for him) but it's opening up other guys and we're winning. He's still second in the NFL in receiving yards. He's fine. Hopefully KO and Sam can help get him a TD next week.

He got interfered with on a TD yesterday and drew at least one other flag. Seems like he's due for some positive regression in the touchdown dept.

Three weeks ago Darnold was focusing too much on Jefferson, now it's not enough. It's just the way the game went. Considering Justin Jefferson has done more than any receiver in NFL history at this point in his career, and is having another great season, it seems silly to be worried about this. 

Bears focused hard on stopping JJ and Darnold made them pay by going to Hockenson and Addison. That's what you're supposed to do. Do that enough and defenses will change again.

Literally everything had to go right for the Bears yesterday at the end of the game to push it to OT.

For the analytics crowd, this was a classic example of why teams should consider going for it on 4th and 1 that point. If you get it, you end the game on your terms. If you don't, the Bears are pinned inside the 10 and have to drive 90+ yds for a TD aaaand get a 2 pt conversion to tie.

Glad the Vikings pulled that out. Definitely not easy to win 3 straight road games in the NFL regardless of the level of competition you're facing.

Let's get home and keep this rolling!

BOOM

MaroonBells wrote:
Three weeks ago Darnold was focusing too much on Jefferson, now it's not enough. It's just the way the game went. Considering Justin Jefferson has done more than any receiver in NFL history at this point in his career, and is having another great season, it seems silly to be worried about this. 

Bears focused hard on stopping JJ and Darnold made them pay by going to Hockenson and Addison. That's what you're supposed to do. Do that enough and defenses will change again.

That's just it, KOC is going to find ways to get JJ at least 8 targets per game with his play calling.  Sam doesn't need to force it.  Darnold has struggled at times when he's waiting for JJ to come open, then he doesn't and he starts going through his progressions.  That worked when Darrisaw was healthy and our OL could give him 4+ seconds of a clean pocket...  but we're much better off when he comes off him quicker if coverage is taking him out of the picture.  Find Addison in a 1-1, Hock working the middle or sidelines, and Aaron Jones out of the backfield. 

Seemed like Darnold did a much better job of getting it to our other playmakers, loved the last check down to Jones to get good yards after a dumb offensive penalty but is back.  Sometimes just getting that easy 8-10 yds is better than forcing a longer throw.

I was pleased with Darnold this week, he played well.  Didn't have any big blunders and made a bunch of good plays against a strong Bears defense.  Good stuff, it's this type of play that will get him a starting spot next season.

MAD GAINZ wrote:
Literally everything had to go right for the Bears yesterday at the end of the game to push it to OT.

It was definitely one of those games. I think I said "you've got to be ****ing kidding me" at least a half dozen times in that game. Williams has a way of pulling rabbits out of his ass. That's how he wins but that's also how he loses. I'm undecided on whether he has a future in the NFL.

MAD GAINZ wrote:
Literally everything had to go right for the Bears yesterday at the end of the game to push it to OT.

For the analytics crowd, this was a classic example of why teams should consider going for it on 4th and 1 that point.  If you get it, you end the game on your terms.  If you don't, the Bears are pinned inside the 10 and have to drive 90+ yds for a TD aaaand get a 2 pt conversion to tie.

Glad the Vikings pulled that out.  Definitely not easy to win 3 straight road games in the NFL regardless of the level of competition you're facing.

Let's get home and keep this rolling!

BOOM

That's just it, KOC is going to find ways to get JJ at least 8 targets per game with his play calling.  Sam doesn't need to force it.  Darnold has struggled at times when he's waiting for JJ to come open, then he doesn't and he starts going through his progressions.  That worked when Darrisaw was healthy and our OL could give him 4+ seconds of a clean pocket...  but we're much better off when he comes off him quicker if coverage is taking him out of the picture.  Find Addison in a 1-1, Hock working the middle or sidelines, and Aaron Jones out of the backfield. 

Seemed like Darnold did a much better job of getting it to our other playmakers, loved the last check down to Jones to get good yards after a dumb offensive penalty but is back.  Sometimes just getting that easy 8-10 yds is better than forcing a longer throw.

I was pleased with Darnold this week, he played well.  Didn't have any big blunders and made a bunch of good plays against a strong Bears defense.  Good stuff, it's this type of play that will get him a starting spot next season.

Darnold was money yesterday, for sure! Cap tip to him. I was v scared after he got rolled up on. Which by the way-- shout out once again to Nick Mullens! Brass set on that guy.

Two things I'll add-

First, Jalen Hurts was doing the same thing with AJ Brown last night that Darnold does with JJ. Drop back. Stare at him for 4 seconds and pray he gets open or... and this is where they're different. In Hurts' case he pulls the ball down and runs. In Sam's case if JJ's not open on this type of play, it's usually a throw out of bounds and sometimes a sack. Not sure what my point is, just saying the more mobile you are, the more you can get away with this (JJM maybe!).

Second, I'd feel so much better about going for it on 4th and 1 to seal the game if I had any confidence at all we could run for the first. Unless it's a QB sneak, our OL can't seem to give Jones/Mattison/Cook/Whoever any room to operate. It's probably our biggest flaw on offense. Thankfully, we can pass pretty darn effectively in these situations, and that's what KO did yesterday on most of the key 3rd and 4th and shorts. Jones did have that nice rushing TD yesterday on I believe 2nd and 2, so maybe this situation is improving, we'll see.

MaroonBells wrote:

It was definitely one of those games. I think I said "you've got to be ****ing kidding me" at least a half dozen times in that game. Williams has a way of pulling rabbits out of his ass. That's how he wins but that's also how he loses. I'm undecided on whether he has a future in the NFL.

So the guy who was the only reason the Bears were in the game, who made Houdini like plays in the pocket and threw some absolute razors, you are not sure if he has a future in this league?  The one play he made in which he scrambled and then somehow threw a perfect deep pass was just ridiculous. It is really beyond brutal how this kid gets so unfairly criticized. The Bears are so poorly run and a complete mess. Put him on a good team and there is no question he is one of the best young stars in the game.  So tired of some throwing shade on him and to question his future after a game llke that is just beyond bizarre.

JR44 wrote:

So the guy who was the only reason the Bears were in the game, who made Houdini like plays in the pocket and threw some absolute razors, you are not sure if he has a future in this league?  The one play he made in which he scrambled and then somehow threw a perfect deep pass was just ridiculous. It is really beyond brutal how this kid gets so unfairly criticized. The Bears are so poorly run and a complete mess. Put him on a good team and there is no question he is one of the best young stars in the game.  So tired of some throwing shade on him and to question his future after a game llke that is just beyond bizarre.

Because I'm looking at his whole season, not just one game. I remember great rookie seasons from RGIII and Mac Jones, and honestly I don't think Williams has even been as good as those guys were. Before yesterday he hadn't thrown a TD pass in 5 weeks. So yes, definitely undecided. The new OC does seem to be a better fit for him. And he's dangerous, no doubt about it.

MaroonBells wrote:

Because I'm looking at his whole season, not just one game. I remember great rookie seasons from RGIII and Mac Jones, and honestly I don't think Williams has even been as good as those guys were. Before yesterday he hadn't thrown a TD pass in 5 weeks. So yes, definitely undecided. The new OC does seem to be a better fit for him. And he's dangerous, no doubt about it.

RGIII and Mac Jones?  :rolleyes:

pattersaur wrote:

Darnold was money yesterday, for sure! Cap tip to him. I was v scared after he got rolled up on. Which by the way-- shout out once again to Nick Mullens! Brass set on that guy.

Shoutout #Vikings QB Nick Mullens this year. He’s come in twice this year when QB Sam Darnold was hurt and has delivered some cold blooded throws.

His TWO throws of the season were both to RB Aaron Jones on third down:
🏈2/2 (100% CMP%)
🏈38 yards (19.0 YPA)
🏈2 first downs pic.twitter.com/J1ehd48UVv

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) November 25, 2024

Thank goodness the Vikings have riches around Jefferson and Darnold made good choices yesterday.

When opponents are playing shell D's like they are, I would like to see Jones eat even more. Watching Barkley run 5 yards b4 being touched last night really illustrated how much better their OL is vs ours. They probably have the best OL in football (them and Detroit). I am envious.

Year 2 is going to be interesting to see with Williams and how high is up with him? I sense he could be very good, but this is a QB and The Bears we're talking about

JR44 wrote:

RGIII and Mac Jones?  :rolleyes:

Do you not remember? Both were Pro Bowl QBs as rookies. RGIII even won rookie of the year. I could be wrong but I don't think young Caleb is going to get either of those awards.

Look, I'm not saying he's bad, just that I need to see more. It was the same with CJ Stroud last year. Terrific year. Rookie of the year. Pro Bowl QB. For whatever reason he hasn't been the same this year. Just lost to the Titans in a game where Will Levis outplayed him. In his last six games, he's thrown 4 TDs and 5 INTs. He just hasn't been that great.

MaroonBells wrote:
Three weeks ago Darnold was focusing too much on Jefferson, now it's not enough. It's just the way the game went. Considering Justin Jefferson has done more than any receiver in NFL history at this point in his career, and is having another great season, it seems silly to be worried about this. 

Bears focused hard on stopping JJ and Darnold made them pay by going to Hockenson and Addison. That's what you're supposed to do. Do that enough and defenses will change again.

I acknowledged that others are picking up due to JJs drawing of 2 and 3 men,  but in watching other teams,  when their studs are drawing that kind of attention its pretty glaring.  We are winning yes,  but the drives far to often seem to lack the flow that one would expect when your best player is taking away 1/4 of the opposing defense..  I am not going to study all 22 and try and figure out the issue,  but we are missing something IMO on O that would force teams out of their coverages that are largely neutralizing JJ, without leaving large pieces of real-estate open,  either that or we are just not getting to those other guys very often.

I am not sure what is the issue,  I just see one in how our O seems to get bogged down to often.

Season high yardage numbers for these three #Vikings players:

Sam Darnold: 330 passing yards

T.J. Hockenson: 114 rec yards

Jordan Addison: 162 rec yards pic.twitter.com/ED1WKauIxo

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) November 24, 2024

Another QB who seems to be slowly changing his narrative from last season...

Not only the best game of Bryce Young's career, but one of the best QB performances of this season pic.twitter.com/8AUFWkhaFc

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 25, 2024

JR44 wrote:

So the guy who was the only reason the Bears were in the game, who made Houdini like plays in the pocket and threw some absolute razors, you are not sure if he has a future in this league?  The one play he made in which he scrambled and then somehow threw a perfect deep pass was just ridiculous. It is really beyond brutal how this kid gets so unfairly criticized. The Bears are so poorly run and a complete mess. Put him on a good team and there is no question he is one of the best young stars in the game.  So tired of some throwing shade on him and to question his future after a game llke that is just beyond bizarre.

I agree with Maroon, I need to see more from Caleb before I'm convinced his play is sustainable in the NFL.  He likes hero ball a lot and it's hard on an offense if your QB continually tries to play off-script.  It looks like sand lot football too often...  look at Mahomes and Matthew Stafford (when he was younger).  You can get away with some of the off-script plays and hero ball at times, but they are both really good at making the routine throws and decisions that successful NFL QBs need to make. Caleb isn't there yet.

No one is saying he can't play in the NFL.  He might turn out to be very good.  It's OK to wait and see on these QBs.  We've seen guys like RGIII, Mac Jones, Carson Wentz, Derek Carr, etc all have early success and fizzle out.  And we've also seen guys like Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, etc struggle or sit early in their careers and become good QBs.

pattersaur wrote:

JJ is on a 3 game cold streak (for him) but it's opening up other guys and we're winning. He's still second in the NFL in receiving yards. He's fine. Hopefully KO and Sam can help get him a TD next week.

He got interfered with on a TD yesterday and drew at least one other flag. Seems like he's due for some positive regression in the touchdown dept.

yes, he is on a 3 game cold streak, yet somehow, he is #2 in the entire NFL in receiving yards.  How does that happen?

Montana Tom wrote:

yes, he is on a 3 game cold streak, yet somehow, he is #2 in the entire NFL in receiving yards.  How does that happen?

prevent defense and long fields to work  hard to keep 2 deep safeties on a 50+ yard field and cover all the holes that end up in your D,  makes for pretty easy pickins when the O knows that those safeties are playing halves and staying over top in most cases.  QBs can easily add 50 to 70 yards a drive to their stats going against the prevent schemes.

Montana Tom wrote:

yes, he is on a 3 game cold streak, yet somehow, he is #2 in the entire NFL in receiving yards.  How does that happen?

Being the best player in the league helps a good deal! :D