The Chicago Bears kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to beat the Denver Broncos, 16-14, in Week 2.
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Final Score
Chicago Bears 16, Denver Broncos 14
Chicago Bears
Quarterback Mitch Trubisky struggled to find much of a rhythm against the Broncos. When he wasn't inaccurate, he was busy forcing passes into tight coverage. While his final throw set up the game-winning field goal, don't look past how his performance prevented the Bears from moving the chains throughout the game.
Outside of a few trick plays, the Bears couldn't generate much success on the ground. The offensive line was unable to get much of a push, as the Broncos' front-seven constantly clogged the rushing lanes.
Khalil Mack was his usual self on the edge, as the only thing that seemed to stop him when rushing the passer was Denver holding him. He took advantage of Denver right tackle Elijah Wilkinson, thoroughly abusing him throughout the game.
Second-year safety Eddie Jackson had an active day with a mix of good and bad to his game. He made a number of excellent plays in coverage, including a 4th quarter break-up of a pass due to his big hit as the ball arrived, put his overaggressiveness got him out of position at times, causing him to miss tackles or overpursue.
Rookie Takeaways
David Montgomery was unspectacular in this one. While he did force a few missed tackles, he didn't add a ton above expectation on the ground.
Denver Broncos
The Bears' pass-catchers didn't find much separation against the Broncos' secondary. Safety Justin Simmons was the most impressive of the bunch, forcing multiple pass defenses.
While their run defense was stout, the Broncos couldn't get much done when they had to attack Trubisky in the pocket. Neither Von Miller or Bradley Chubb could supply frequent pressure on Trubisky, giving him a clean pocket on most of his attempts.
Denver's offensive struggles were all about the offensive line, in particular with left tackle Garrett Boles. He was called for holding penalties a whopping five times and gave up numerous other pressures.
Emmanuel Sanders has wasted no time this year proving last year's Achilles injury will not slow him down, as he had another huge game for the Broncos. When it mattered most he came up with what could have been the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion if the defense had been able to finish the game for Denver.
Rookie Takeaways
Rookie guard Dalton Risner struggled mightily in pass protection against the Bears' interior defensive line. First-round tight end Noah Fant also had a game to forget as a blocker.
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