Bears use defense to beat Jets

by Chris Bearman

Blogger, Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Bears hosted the New York Jets this Sunday, a team that Bears coach Bob Winuvas has dealt with before as a coach for the Buffalo Bills. With both teams playing similar styles, the Bears had to outlast the Jets in the trenches and won 20-13.

The Bears opened the game with a solid drive that ended in a Sean Carmichael field goal from 24 yards out to open the scoring at 3-0 for the Bears.

The ensuing Jets' possession saw the first turnover of the game, as Bears' linebacker J.T. Thomas III jump a route and make a great interception of rookie quarterback Devin Ward.

"Was a great play by (J.T.) Thomas - he jumped the route beautifully," Coach Winuvas said of the play.

That interception would lead to another Sean Carmichael field goal from 36 yards out to extend the Bears' lead to 6-0 early in the second quarter. The teams would fight hard in the trenches as neither team could establish a run game. The next big play would come from Chicago's offense, as late in the second quarter Drew Brees found second year tight end Patrick Russell wide open and hit him in stride for a 74 yard touchdown and a 13-0 lead.

The Jets would kick their two-minute offense into gear and get in range for a Konrad Griffin field goal from 44 yards out to end the half at 13-3.

The Jets would mount a solid 7 minute drive to start the second half, but a supreme goal line stand by the Bears at the 2 yard line forced the Jets to a gimme field goal from Griffin and a 13-6 score.

The Bears would mount a 7 minute drive of their own, with theirs ending with a Reynaldo Ball 2 yard touchdown and a 20-6 lead. A Jets' drive would end in a great Dwayne Gratz interception covering Marion Russell. However, Russell would get revenge on the following drive, as with a minute to go, he would beat Gratz for a 20 yard touchdown and a 20-13 score. The onside kick failed, and the Bears would kneel out the clock.

For the Jets, Devin Ward had a "growing pains" game, going 15 of 27 for 182 yards and a touchdown to go with 2 interceptions. The run game, usually a strength for the Jets, was held in check, with Knile Davis getting 15 carries but only 54 yards. The receiving game was led by tight end Jace Amaro (5/75), but receiver Marion Russell had the lone touchdown. Defensively, rookie Nicholas James had a good game (2 tackles and a sack) in a losing effort.

The Bears were led by Drew Brees, who had another ho-hum day but produced a win. He went 8 of 11 for 159 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. The run game for Chicago was also lax, with Reynaldo Ball getting 16 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown. The leading receiver was Patrick Russell with 1 catch for 74 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, J.T. Thomas was the star, getting 4 tackles, a sack, and an interception on the day.

"This was our kind of game - slugfest in the trenches with another good team in the trenches. We won out, but it wasn't easy and I love games like that. Just get out there, punch the other guy in the mouth, and see how he reacts," Coach Winuvas said.

At 2-0, the Bears travel to Philadelphia to take on a solid Eagles team at 1-1. At 1-1, the Jets host a division rival in New England next week.

Can the Bears keep the coach's streak of holding teams under 21 points alive? It stands currently at 10 games. A tough offense in Philadelphia has fans doubting, but if they succeed, this defense - and team - could start something special in the Windy City.