NEWSLETTER
One of my favorite moments in the 31 years of The Simpsons being on FOX happens in Season 6, Episode 24. In the Lemon of Troy episode, the children of Springfield wander into rival town Shelbyville to retrieve their sacred stolen lemon tree. And in one moment, nerdling Martin Prince appears to be in big trouble as his attempt to shake-down a lemonade-selling child results in a confrontation with that youngster’s older brother. But out from behind a tree comes Nelson Muntz, Springfield’s top bully to reluctantly save the day by protecting a kid he often bullies.
Watching the Bears defense today jogged that memory for me. Because watching them harass Deshaun Watson early and often, it was almost as if Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith, and others took offense to the Watson love-fest that happened this week. Moreover, that defense played like it was sticking up for Mitchell Trubisky after Bears Nation spent the week re-litigating the 2017 NFL Draft. And much like Martin pranced around victoriously after Nelson saved his bacon, Trubisky was able to shine as soon as the defense was able to get Watson off the field.
Trubisky threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-7 win against the Texans. And he looked good doing it. Trubisky was effective on short passes, quick decisions, balls over the middle, and back-shoulder fades. He looked smooth and comfortable on the move. The offense hummed to the tune of 30 first-half points. David Montgomery put up big numbers. Allen Robinson surpassed the 1,000-yard mark. Jimmy Graham and Darnell Mooney got in on the fun. It was the best this group has looked all year. This is what it’s looks like to win games against woeful opponents. It shouldn’t change how we feel, but that’s a different conversation for another post.
Yeah, it’s just the Texans. But we’re barely a full week removed from watching the stinking Lions put up 34 points in a come-from-behind win. There’s so much to talk about what this game means (and doesn’t mean) for the big picture. But for one moment, I want take the time to enjoy something nice. Especially that Bears defense.
The same group the Lions tortured last week was on one on Sunday. Watson was sacked six times and was hit on 10 other occasions. Chicago’s defenders threw him around the field and bullied him as if he didn’t pay up with his lunch money. It was the kind of effort that I had almost forgotten this group was capable of striking together.
For years, Bears fans have wondered what Deshaun Watson would’ve looked like had he been backed with this defense.
Today, I bet Watson himself had that same thought.
