Teams are aimless and unsuccessful without their captains. Franchises are hopeless without their faces. Caleb Williams and Connor Bedard both returned from injuries this week and provided a glimpse at the championship hope we all have for Chicago. Their team identities mirror their leadership and were finally restored back to normal. Each roster build revolves around them, and they will clearly bring long-term success to this city.
Caleb Williams returned with a vengeance. The laughable effort against the Packers was thrown out the window as the Iceman’s laser focus injected life into the Bears. He completed 30/36 passes in one of the most efficient games ever recorded by a Bears QB. The defense put their speed bump behind them and only gave up 7 points before a garbage time comeback made it a close finish. They miraculously held Bijan Robinson to 61 rushing yards and Drake London to 62 receiving yards. Spiderman Kyler Gordon also returned from injury with authority. He had 3 sacks and forced 2 fumbles in a stat line that reads like an MVP edge rusher.
The real Bears are back. The identity they formed while starting two backup quarterbacks was elevated by their franchise player. With Caleb Williams’ command of the offense and playmaking ability, dominant blowouts are within reach against anyone. They control the ball, seek explosive plays on offense, take the ball away on defense, and control the line of scrimmage. After the 1st quarter against Atlanta, the Falcons had 1:41 time of possession and gained 1 yard on offense. It was 14-0 Bears thanks to two long, sustained drives.
The quarterback and coach have always been, and will always be, the stabilizing forces for Chicago. This game turned into a nailbiter because of a lost fumble and soft coverage in garbage time. It could have been a relaxing mercy-rule type game if not for the 12 penalties for 133 yards, 3.0 yards per rush, and lapses in focus like Jahdae Walker headbutting a Falcon.
When the discipline gets cleaned up, the rest of the NFL will fear the Bears. Until then, a revolving door of a supporting cast of characters will do what they can to contribute to a win. This week, Edwards, Monangai, Stevenson, Odeyingbo, Sweat (suspension), and others were all out. No matter who is in the game, they need to play their intimidating brand of football. Consistently. But when they don’t, Caleb Williams can still take over and will them to victory.
The injury list won’t get any shorter with a quick turnaround before a Thursday Night Football matchup against the Patriots. Round 2 of the Caleb Williams vs. Drake Maye 2024 draft class bowl should turn out better for Williams than the first meeting in 2024 (19-3 Patriots) that prompted Shane Waldron’s firing.
How did you feel after the Bears/Falcons game?
Connor Bedard returned with ferocity. With their captain steering the first line, the Blackhawks went from being outmatched to dictating the style of play. They won two games with contributions throughout the entire lineup. Their speed led to a ton of scoring chances, the defensive zone exits increased, and scoring goals was a lot easier.
They gave up two 3-1 leads but hung on in both games. Artyom Levshunov scored his first career overtime game-winner against the Jets! The Stars shut them out 4-0 thanks to an impressive showing by goalie Jake Oettinger.
The Blackhawks are built to play fast and to score. They’re supposed to be the Bears on skates. Without Bedard, the lines were a mishmash of ineffective combinations. With Bedard as the top-line center, the Hawks have 4 legitimate lines who can do damage. This is true for the first time in the Kyle Davidson era and proves they have a chance to win a lot of games with this core.
This week, Nazar and Moore fed off each other’s speed. Bertuzzi and Teravainen formed a dynamic duo with 5 combined points against the Penguins. Anton Frondell looked like a veteran two-way center just a few games into his first full NHL season. Spencer Knight made clutch saves in every start. Kantserov-Bedard-Kane is a legitimate first line in the NHL, and they immediately had a ton of scoring chances.
The real Blackhawks arrived. Now it’s time to string together a stretch of winning hockey.
A schedule quirk gives the Hawks a long hiatus before home games against the Canadiens and Panthers this weekend. Montreal gives them an opportunity at the type of game they should thrive in: a track meet with a lot of goals. They have given up 4+ goals in half of their games (4/8) so far this season.
The preseason concluded with 2 Bulls wins and a 3-2 final record. The regular season tips off on Wednesday in Toronto as the Bulls embark on their gauntlet of an early-season schedule.
5 Cubs were named finalists for the Gold Glove award: Dansby Swanson, Alex Bregman, Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Seiya Suzuki
The Bears secondary will be elite at the end of the season.
The return of Kyler Gordon was special. His blitz packages were unstoppable, and the defense found a way to get off the field on 9 of 12 3rd down conversion attempts.
It was a reminder that health is everything. The Packers gashed the group for 358 receiving yards just last week, and everything thrown over their heads magically landed in a receiver’s hands. But that was without Kyler Gordon. That was with a banged up Tyrique Stevenson. That was with recently cut Xavier Woods at safety.
The unit may look like this to close the year:
Outside CB: Malik Muhammad, Surprise?
Slot CB: Kyler Gordon
Safety: Dillon Thieneman, Coby Bryant
Both rookies are difference makers, and Gordon’s athleticism is off the charts. A surprising depth name or external acquisition could contribute at outside CB in place of Johnson or Stevenson. With an entire crew exhibiting speed and high football IQ, they could shut down quality passing attacks in a playoff push.
Leonard Miller
The unheralded part of the Ayo Dosunmu trade return last season is feeling at home in Chicago. He recently said he loves the city and would love to stay for a long time. After leading the NBA in points in the preseason (82), he said his current success on the court isn’t a surprise to him because of the way he works. After appearing in only 49 games for Minnesota over 2.5 seasons, he appreciates this opportunity to see positive results.
