The Chicago Bears defense suffered some unfortunate attrition in the game against the Washington Redskins. Star defensive end Akiem Hicks left the game with an apparent knee injury. It’s uncertain how severe it is. Even so, that can’t take away from the outstanding performance the unit had all around. Case Keenum, who had five touchdowns and no interceptions through his first two games, probably hopes all the take of this game gets burned in a fire.
It was easily his most miserable performance in a long time. Chicago intercepted him three times including two by safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, one which he returned for a touchdown. Keenum also fumbled three times, losing two of them. One was the decisive moment in the game. With Washington in the red zone and facing 4th and short, Keenum tried to reach the ball over for the 1st down on a QB sneak. Danny Trevathan was alert for it and knocked the ball out of his hands.
The Bears recovered and drove the ball down the field for a field goal that put the game out of reach. Khalil Mack was his usual self. He utterly terrorized Keenum with two sacks and two forced fumbles. If not for an encroachment penalty he would’ve had a third. It’s simply more proof that Chicago has no regrets about making the trade to get him.
Chicago Bears defense continues to carry the load
Most people will criticize them for the two touchdown drives they gave up in the second half. While they weren’t pretty, anybody can guess it was less about the Redskins suddenly being good and more about the Bears letting their foot off the gas. They went into a shell defense, gave up a lot of easy completions and refused to go for the throat. It’s a persistent and annoying theme that has cropped up at times. Hopefully, this game will be a lesson moving forward.
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Next week is going to prove challenging for them. Hicks may end up missing time and that could prove detrimental to their run defense. Not ideal with the red hot Dalvin Cook coming to town with the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears will also be on a short week. So it will be up to Matt Nagy and the coaching staff to ensure the group gets the rest they need. Being at home will certainly help.
