Everybody on the planet expected the Dallas Cowboys offense to rip through the Chicago Bears defense like a tank through a cornfield. This was a unit that had just allowed 52 points the previous week in Detroit. Dallas had plenty of playmakers and a Pro Bowl quarterback. It almost started that way as the Cowboys ran the ball well on the first drive. However, Tyrique Stevenson stole their momentum when he stripped Javonte Williams of the ball for a big turnover. From there, it felt like the Bears were in control.
While it wasn’t perfect, the defense forced four turnovers and only allowed 14 points on the afternoon. Dak Prescott was under duress a lot. People couldn’t understand where the effort came from. Most credited defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for getting things rolling. In truth, players in the locker room pointed out one of their own. Daniel Hardy and Jaquan Brisker both said it was an impassioned speech by defensive tackle Grady Jarrett that got them all revved up for the game.
Daniel Hardy, who got snaps as a strong-side linebacker and in some fronts with five down linemen, said Jarrett’s speech resonated with the room.
“It was great seeing one of your captains trying to get the troops ready to go,” Hardy said. “It’s like seeing your leader grab the flag and charge into (the fight). Grady is an animated dude. He’s an intense guy. He’s got a lot of passion for the game. It’s Year 11 for him and he’s got more fire, more passion than ever. That’s why we voted him for captain. He did his job.”
The Chicago Bears’ signing of Grady Jarrett was important.
It is hard to tell how much gas the former Pro Bowler has left. He hasn’t been overly disruptive through the first three games, though he’s been a strong run defender. However, one of the big reasons the Chicago Bears signed him was his reputation as an outstanding leader. They needed somebody who could provide some emotional inspiration and veteran savvy. Jarrett had both in bunches. Having him in the locker room may have helped save their season. A repeat performance on Sunday in Las Vegas could send the Bears into the bye week 2-2 with a chance to build serious momentum going into October and beyond. It will also give Jarrett, who’s been dealing with a knee injury, time to rest and recover to help the team with more than words.
