Justin Fields and DJ Moore Shine as Bears Dominate Falcons 37-17, The Bird Hunt Continues! 💪😁

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• The Chicago Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons 37-17, dominating the cold conditions that the dome-used Falcons struggled in.
• Justin Fields had a solid game with 268 passing yards, 45 rushing yards, and 2 total touchdowns. Wide receiver D.J. Moore set career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns.
• The Bears defense intercepted Falcons QBs Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder 4 times total. Khalil Herbert also rushed for over 100 yards again.
• The win keeps playoff hopes alive for the Bears heading into a big matchup with the Packers at Lambeau next. Several key additions could make them a playoff contender.
• The Falcons still need to address QB issues and use offensive weapons like Kyle Pitts and Tyler Allgeier more effectively. But they are a few pieces away like the Bears.

Support BearsMediaCo WHILE you support our Beloved Bears by clicking HERE to shop at Fanatics for ALL your favorite Gear!

Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!

The Chicago Bears asserted their dominance in wintery conditions, dismantling the warm-weather accustomed Atlanta Falcons by a score of 37-17. Quarterback Justin Fields delivered another consistent performance, passing for 268 yards and rushing for another 45 while accounting for two total touchdowns. His favorite target, wide receiver D.J. Moore, also shined in the snowy setting — hauling in nine catches for 159 yards with a touchdown of his own on the day. Having spent years languishing with the Carolina Panthers devoid of adequate quarterback play, Moore’s single-season career marks for receiving yards and touchdowns are proof positive of his breakout campaign.

Meanwhile, running back Khalil Herbert gashed a porous Falcons run defense for 124 yards and an additional rushing score. By generating over 100 yards on the ground for a second straight week, he continues exhibiting the ability to shoulder lead-back responsibilities moving forward. Defensively, contributions arrived from all levels. Rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker recorded interceptions while linebacker T.J. Edwards added another of his quarterback Taylor Heinicke. But late-game replacement Desmond Ridder — the rookie passer who assumed duties under center amid Heinicke’s struggles — also coughed up a football after a fierce Bears pass rush generated pressure.

After defensive lineman Justin Jones corralled the football following the errant throw, fellow lineman Dominique Robinson returned the interception for an emphatic pick six. This influx of takeaways builds on a campaign-long trend for Chicago’s aggressive, ball-hawking defense. Entering Sunday’s contest, the unit already boasted 18 interceptions on the year. Bolstered by four more takeaways against Atlanta, Chicago now ranks third league-wide with 22 interceptions. And with another critical NFC North divisional clash awaiting them next week, this penchant for timely turnovers fuels enthusiasm for a potential playoff push.

Because at 8-8, wins in their final pair of games would earn these Bears postseason eligibility. Under first-year head coach Matt Eberflus’ leadership, the culture seems wholly transformed — one defined by hard-nosed defensive play and consistent competitiveness. NBC Sports Chicago’s K.C. Johnson suggests Eberflus return for 2023 feels likely following Sunday’s win. While season-long decision making from offensive coordinator Luke Getsy remains somewhat questionable, his game plan and play calling held up nicely versus Atlanta. Considering Chicago tallied 37 points without utilizing top wideout Chase Claypool very much, Getsy deserves minor praise on this occasion for maximizing his other weapons.

With frigid Lambeau Field scheduled next up, Justin Fields must channel earlier late-game heroics that positioned the Bears for upsets over Green Bay before. If he continues exhibiting resilience within pressure situations, another rivalry shocker feels well within reach. Doing so would not only crush the Packers’ flailing playoff hopes but might send a message that for the first time in ages, the Bears boast the division’s premier quarterback. My, how the tables could turn in swift, satisfying fashion.

Beyond Fields and Moore’s obvious chemistry yielding video-game digits, valuable contributions arrived from ancillary pieces as well. Tight end Cole Kmet’s lingering foot issue relegated him to decoy usage, so role players Cole Grunwald and Trevon Wesco assimilated added reps at the position. Veteran wideout Equanimeous St. Brown tacked on 44 yards too.

Even lightly-utilized names like Nsimba Webster flashed gadget-play touchdown upside on single snaps. Rookie plodder Trestan Ebner continues acclimating as a developmental change of pace behind Herbert too. So while high-variance players pepper Chicago’s offensive framework, Getsy does quite well maximizing their specific skill sets to move the ball efficiently. For Chicago to nurture playoff hopes however, winning a presumed defensive slugfest in Green Bay remains imperative.

Thankfully, four Falcons turnovers provided Eberflus’ attacking group even more scoring margin for error. Surrendering 17 points and over 125 total rushing yards falls a smidge below seasonal standards. Largely contained during the afternoon, mobile threat Tyler Allgeier broke contain once — gasping Chicago’s defense for a 75-yard catch and run score. Otherwise,Quarterbacks Taylor Heinicke and Ridder struggled generating any downfield traction. Following Sunday’s four interception outburst, Chicago’s defensive unit now ranks second league-wide with 23 total takeaways.

Considering Green Bay’s barrage of injuries under center, additional turnovers feel likely next week too. True to recent relations, the Packers still possess playoff pulse while the Bears play spoiler. Except updated 2023 roster outlooks and improved foundational elements suggest Chicago ascends quicker than their rivals moving forward. Dating back to Matt Nagy’s tenure, the Bears increased competitiveness against Green Bay anyway. Most embarrassing defeats stemmed from defensive lapses as Chicago’s offense battles admirably behind Fields’ emergence.

So with the potential rookie of the year serving as catalyst, his surrounding supporting cast only needs supplementation, not substantial overhaul. Slot stalwart Darnell Mooney’s injury indeed devastates the receiving room’s speed element, but offseason activity can console this absence. Getsy continues coordinating skillfully in doses too, which hints at possible continuity. Rather than requiring systematic change atop the franchise, the Bears simply need better injury luck and a talent influx — especially along the offensive line. Bolster the front five’s shaky pass protection and Chicago’s attack might explode next fall.

Defensively, minimal retooling feels mandatory because Eberflus’ disciplined mantra sparked rapid return to respectability already. Street free agent acquisitions like Mike Pennell shore up depth concerns reasonably as well in the interim. Building upon sneaky defensive line depth seems prudent but otherwise, existing personnel appears playoff-ready after significant strides. Supplementing the receiver room then prioritizing the offensive trenches will elevate Chicago into 2023 postseason contention. Because behind an energized Justin Fields and the defense’s aggression lies legitimate promise moving forward regardless of Green Bay’s outcome.

In the meantime, Eberflus deserves Coach of the Year award consideration for catalyzing this profound culture shift in just one season. Critics highlighting occasional game management gaffes miss the forest for the trees. Inheriting a talent-barren roster projected for insignificance, Eberflus fueled meaningful Week 18 action instead — a testament to outstanding leadership. With critics quick dismissing Chicago’s early-season competitiveness as fraudulent, the Bears battle-tested confidence and young core suggest otherwise. Moving forward, general manager Ryan Poles must simply replenish the cabinet around his foundational quarterback and defensive centerpieces.

If the front office supplies adequate ammunition, Chicago appears poised to overtake Green Bay for NFC North supremacy imminently. Because the Monsters of the Midway seemingly emerged from hibernation as the book closed on 2022’s tumultuous but encouraging campaign. Although the future holds not guarantees obviously, the Bears newfound scrappiness suggests brighter days lie ahead. For beyond symbolic rivalry wins, Chicagoland’s beloved franchise seem to restored relevance substantially quicker than expected.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!