Sometimes, it just makes sense to play good ol’ fashioned Bears football.
One play after Mitch Trubisky nearly threw an interception on a pass intended for either tackle-eligible Bradley Sowell or third-string tight end Ben Braunecker, the Chicago Bears extended their lead against the New England Patriots with some smashmouth football:
https://twitter.com/DefPenSports/status/1054071167047348224
It was all set up by the Bears’ second turnover, which was forced by defensive lineman Bilal Nichols:
Ugly injury for Sony Michel as he loses the ball and Bilal Nichols (@_BNichols92) recovers the fumble. Second turnover from the #Bears. First came on special teams. pic.twitter.com/6OS09sIag2
— Jake Perper (@BearsBacker) October 21, 2018
Nichols was a fifth-round pick and has been out-playing his draft position since the start of the season. As Nichols continues to get game reps, he’ll grow into a bigger role along a talented defensive line. Right now, Nichols is really making an impact as a run defender, but his emergence figures to continue as long as he continues to make plays like that one on Sony Michel in the backfield.
The Bears have a fight on their hands, as Cordarelle Patterson — who fumbled a kickoff earlier that led to a Bears touchdown — returned a kick for a 95-yard touchdown. I’d be surprised if the points don’t keep flying from both sides.