Not pretty but getting the win is all that matters in the end. Defense showed up big time in the second half which was huge because Chicago's defense did the same thing to us, offense just couldn't stay on the field. Chicago has a good defense, they should have lost to Tennessee last weekend if not for their defense so I don't want to frame this game in a way that we should have easily beaten this team. I will say that mistakes our own mistakes are what kept the game as close as it was, including losing that fumble inside the 5 yard line. That possession should have been the nail in the coffin, that's when you finish off your opponent.
Best things from the game:
-Collins, he's just a beast, tell me that extension wasn't the best bargain in league this offseason.
-Second half defense ate Caleb's lunch and it could have been worse than 7 sacks and 2 picks.
-Fairbairn being automatic is something that will pay dividends all season long, he's just gotten better with time, what an asset he is.
Opportunities:
-Not CJ's best game, or the offense as a whole. Had issues running the ball, I just think the o-line really had a rough day and they gotta be better.
-Penalties, good lord. I couldn't tell if it was a lack of discipline or if they were just too hyped up. I do think Al-Shaair was a bit high strung and Ryans needed to calm him down.
Up next: at Minnesota
They really had their way with SF so this will be a tough game. Their defense can get after it so Slowik and the entire offense need to have a better gameplan than they did against Chicago. Darnold had a good game but he also still makes mistakes. Jefferson had to leave the game but they still took care of business. They have a good o-line and run game so their offense is balanced. Sounds clliche but this will take work on both sides of the ball, total team effort.