Bears Triumph Over Steelers as Offensive Line Shines
The Chicago Bears showcased their resilience once again, edging out the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-28 in a tightly contested matchup that improved their record to 8-3. The victory was largely propelled by the Bears’ offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for 239 yards and three touchdowns while maintaining an interception-free streak. However, the spotlight shone elsewhere in terms of individual performances, particularly on the offensive line.
Offensive Line Dominance
In a surprising twist, Pro Football Focus (PFF) revealed that Williams did not emerge as the highest-graded player on the Bears’ offense. In fact, he didn’t even crack the top five. Instead, PFF’s evaluations heavily favored the offensive line, with guard Jonah Jackson earning the top grade at 76.5. Although Jackson exited the game due to an eye injury after 45 snaps, his initial performance set a strong tone for the unit.
One of the standout stories from the game was second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo, who made the most of his chance for extensive playing time. He finished as the Bears’ second-highest graded player on offense with a score of 75.0, highlighted by an impressive 84.6 in pass protection. Such a performance could solidify his place in the starting lineup moving forward.
Left guard Joe Thuney also made his mark, securing the third-highest grade on the team at 73.7. Thuney’s efforts included a commendable 79.9 in pass protection, further demonstrating that general manager Ryan Poles’ decision to trade for him was a masterstroke. His consistent performances have made him one of the best all-around players this season.
Rookie Contributions Shine
Rookie running back Kyle Monangai continued to impress with his performance, registering 12 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown, which earned him a PFF grade of 72.4, ranking fourth on the team. His effectiveness on the ground was evident, especially when compared to veteran D’Andre Swift, who struggled with just 15 yards on eight carries and even lost a fumble. This lackluster showing from Swift could prompt offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to lean more heavily on Monangai in upcoming games.
Completing the list of top performers, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III rounded out the top five with a solid PFF grade of 71.5. His contributions have begun to make a significant impact as the Bears look to maintain their momentum through the rest of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Bears’ victory against the Steelers not only highlights the team’s offensive prowess but also underscores the evolving nature of their lineup. With key contributions from rookies and a dominant offensive line, the Bears are positioning themselves as a formidable contender. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these dynamics evolve and how the coaching staff adapts to the shifting strengths and weaknesses within the roster.
