When reviewing the tape from Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, the Chicago Bears will be mostly happy with rookie tackle Darnell Wright. Thanks to his pass protection, Justin Fields had the best game of his career with 335 yards and four touchdowns. The 10th overall pick held up almost all afternoon against everything the Broncos threw at him. Sadly, Wright himself won’t see it that way. In his mind, the Bears would’ve won the game if he’d executed how he was supposed to on the game’s most pivotal play.
The Bears faced 4th and 1 at Denver’s 18-yard line. They could’ve kicked a field goal to take the lead. However, going for it would essentially allow them to run out most of the remaining clock. It was a sound decision. The play call, though, was not. It was a run up the middle out of the shotgun. Denver stuffed it for no gain. While everybody blamed the call for taking it out of Justin Fields’ hands, Wright blamed himself. He explained to Nicholas Moreano of CHGO.
Darnell Wright also was sitting at his locker after the game. He was soft spoken, as he usually is, but it appeared something was bothering him.
“The fourth down was probably on me,” Wright said. “I had a critical error on a block. I mean we had, it put us in a good situation. Just have to execute.”
The video shows Wright engaging with #92 Jonathan Harris as the play unfolds. Linebacker Alex Singleton came on the blitz. Wright got off his block a split second late to pick him up. Singleton shot the gap and made the play. It was a tough situation for the rookie to be in.
Darnell Wright deserves credit for his selfless attitude.
Yes, he made a mistake on the block. However, it was a minor one in the full context of the game. Given the situation, Chicago could’ve called a far better play than that. The lack of creativity was appalling. There is also the fact the Bears never should’ve been in that spot to begin with. They led the game 28-7. Once again, the defense failed to step up when it mattered, allowing 17 points in the second half while a fumble by Justin Fields led to a scoop and score. There is a reason Eberflus chose to go for it. He knew the defense wouldn’t be able to get a stop.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
This should not subtract from the big picture. Darnell Wright continues to show flashes of why the Bears took him in the 1st round. His growth is undeniable. With more experience, he will be a really good player for them over the next several years. His maturity speaks for itself. Many wouldn’t speak out and take ownership of a play like that. He did. It means he cares. This matters to him. Having talented players like that in your locker room will benefit in the long run.
