The Chicago Bears played a like team going through a massive roster overhaul.
The Bears could not stop run. They struggled to score points. The receivers dropped passes. The offensive line failed to block.
The Chicago Bears got rolled by the New York Giants. Saquon Barkley ran roughshod through the Bears’ defense for 146 yards.
This was the type of game that the forecasters who predicted the Chicago Bears to be the worst franchise in the NFL would shake out.
The Bears were bad. There is no sugarcoating this one.
Four players turned in a good performance. There are a few who had a bad game that should be specifically pointed out.
Eddie Jackson had another interception and tackled well.
The resurrection of Eddie Jackson continues.
Jackson registered nine tackles, an interception, and a pass-defensed. Jackson now has three interceptions on the season.
Jackson also had some really good hits on the field. This is a player who was constantly criticized last season for his poor tackling.
The two-time Pro-Bowler’s career fell on hard times the past two seasons. Jackson failed to intercept a pass in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
This was a ball-hawking safety who had 10 interceptions in his first three seasons. Jackson had three pick-6s in that period and was named to the 2018 All-Pro First Team.
That earned him a big contract extension but Jackson failed to live up to the big payday.
Turns out, Jackson was dealing with a lot of personal issues the past two seasons. Also, the Chicago Bears drafting Jaquan Brisker in this year’s draft has helped out a lot.
Brisker’s presence on the team has allowed Jackson to roam the field and look to make plays on the ball. Jackson does not have to come into the box and play the run. Jackson is back to playing to his strengths.
The only downside is the Chicago Bears lost their first game where Jackson picks off a pass.
There goes the 12-0 record when Eddie Jackson gets an interception. #DaBears
— Rob Schwarz Jr. (@ChiRuxinBGO) October 2, 2022
Three special teams players were pretty good.
Kicker Cairo Santos was out due to personal reasons. The Chicago Bears had to organize a kicker tryout on Friday and Michael Badgley was picked on Saturday to be the replacement kicker.
The New Jersey native was responsible for all the Bears’ points.
The man responsible for all 12 of the Bears points so far:
Michael Badgley pic.twitter.com/jzawz50O39
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 2, 2022
It was a windy day at MetLife Stadium but it did not affect Badgley as he kicked in front of family and friends.
Trenton Gill had a good day punting. He had five punts and registered a 52.8 average. His punts were needed to flip the field.
Michael Badgley has hit 4 FGs today but P Trenton Gill is having himself a ballgame. Flipped the field there with that kick and the attached penalty.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) October 2, 2022
Special teams gunner Josh Blackwell was great in coverage as he forced and recovered a fumble with 3:52 left in the first half. The fumble recovery at the Giants’ 35 helped set up a Badgley field goal.
It was that type of game where the Chicago Bears got better play from their special teams than their offense and defense.
