Getty LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears celebrates his second quarter touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears won Monday night against Washington in a game in which the Bears defense dominated virtually all but a few series. Khalil Mack played like he had a personal vendetta against everyone named Gruden, netting two sacks, and forcing two fumbles. The Bears defense finished the game with four sacks, five takeaways, and a touchdown.
The final score was 31-15, and it was easily the Bears most dominating victory of the season. Here are the more intriguing storylines that emerged after the game, including potential injuries, quarterback play, and problematic penalties:
Mitchell Trubisky Played a Much Better Game
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Washington Redskinsin the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky had his best game of the season Monday night. At halftime, Trubisky was 20-23 for 173 yards, three touchdowns, and a passer rating of 137.6
#Bears QB Mitch Trubisky at halftime: 20-for-23, 173 yards, three TDs and 137.6 passer rating.
Trubisky’s third touchdown throw to Taylor Gabriel was a thing of beauty, and he looked more comfortable against Washington than he has against anyone else all season. He finished the night 25-31 with 231 yards, three TDs, and a costly interception.
He had a badly under thrown ball late in the third quarter that was intended for Allen Robinson and picked off by Josh Norman in the red zone, but other than that, Trubisky finally has a game he can feel good about and build on.
Taylor Gabriel with a spectacular 36-yard TD reception from Mitchell Trubisky. It was such a good catch that it was initially ruled out of bounds. But after a replay review the call was overturned. That’s their third TD connection of the second quarter. Bears lead 28-0.
Taylor Gabriel Had Himself a Game…Then Left. So Did Akiem Hicks
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Taylor Gabriel #18 of the Chicago Bears catches his third touchdown reception of the first half during the second quarter against the Washington Redskins in the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Gabriel had a career night against Washington. Gabriel caught three touchdown passes in the second quarter alone, including a 36-yard toe-tapping dazzler:
Mitchell Trubisky to Taylor Gabriel for the THIRD time tonight.
(via @thecheckdown)
Gabriel finished the night with 75 yards and three touchdowns, and he became the first Bear since Gale Sayers in 1965 to have three touchdowns in a half. He also left the game late in the third quarter with a concussion and did not return.
Bears WR Taylor Gabriel suffered a concussion and is out for the rest of the game.
Bears superstar defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, who had recovered a fumble in the game, also left and did not return. It was reported that Hicks had a knee injury, and that will definitely be a key issue to watch moving forward.
Akiem Hicks has a knee injury and is doubtful to return. Not good.
Matt Nagy’s Play-Calling Was Inconsistent–But Much Better
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 05: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Nagy began the game clearly trying to get Trubisky in a rhythm. He called several short passes mixed with runs, and while Trubisky still missed a few receivers early, the third-year quarterback settled down in the second quarter.
The second half was an entirely different story. The Bears managed a missed field goal attempt before getting a lone field goal in the final minutes, and Nagy turned to the run suspiciously late in the second half. He began relying on rookie running back David Montgomery to carry the load and eat the clock with just under 7:00 remaining. Montgomery finished the game with 13 attempts for 67 yards and a 5.2 average.
Nagy called a good game overall, helping his young quarterback find a rhythm with solid play calling in the first half. He just needs to string four solid quarters of dominant, foot-on-the-gas play calls together, and he has not done that yet.
The Bears Running Game Needs Work
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: David Montgomery #32 of the Chicago Bears is tackled by Montae Nicholson #35 of the Washington Redskins during the second quarter in the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Despite finally turning it over to Montgomery with under 7:00 in the fourth quarter, the Bears need to figure out how to better incorporate Montgomery into their game plan for four quarters instead of one or two. Montgomery entered the game averaging 3.4 yards a carry, and finished the game against Washington with a 5.2 yard average.
Even Montgomery’s three yard runs are exciting; he’s a clear play-maker, and one of the Bears’ best weapons on offense right now. He needs to be used more.
David Montgomery has the most jaw dropping three yard gains in the league don’t @ me
Penalties Are Worse Than Last Season
GettyLANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: The Chicago Bears prepare to snap the ball against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
This game could have been even more lopsided had the Bears been more disciplined on both sides of the ball. The Bears defense had back-to-back offsides penalties in the first half that led to Washington’s first three points. Prince Amukamara also had a costly hands to the face penalty, as did Khalil Mack.
The Bears offensive line committed 12 holding penalties all of the 2018 season. The team finished this game with a total of eight penalties, and that has to stop if they want to be serious contenders.
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