Instant analysis of Bears’ 29-3 win against Giants
The Chicago Bears are undefeated in 2022. Unfortunately, we’re still in the middle of the 2021 season, so it doesn’t mean much. Still, at this point of a losing season, it’s about celebrating the small victories. And Bears fans have certainly earned that.
The Bears dominated the Giants from start to finish in a 29-3 victory at Soldier Field that wasn’t even as close as the 26-point deficit indicated. It could’ve been a wider margin if Chicago’s offense had capitalized on some missed opportunities in the red zone.
But we’re not here to nitpick. We’re here to celebrate one of the most enjoyable games in an otherwise miserable Bears season. And it came courtesy of an even more miserable Giants team.
Chicago’s defense set the tone for this game from the first play, where outside linebacker Trevis Gipson recorded the first of two strip sacks on Giants — and former Bears — quarterback Mike Glennon. One play later, running back David Montgomery punched it in from two yards out to jump out to a 7-0 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
The Bears defense absolutely dominated the Giants in this game, and there was never a moment where they appeared to be in the game. The defense feasted on Glennon and forced New York to abandon the passing game. The Giants attempted just 11 passes compared to 40 rushing attempts, which netted 161 yards on the ground.
To quote CBS announcer Jay Feely: “Every time the Giants drop back, something bad always happens.”
And it was true. Glennon was sacked a total of four times, where he fumbled on each of them, turning it over twice, and tossed two interceptions. The Giants netted -10 passing yards, and it was exactly the kind of revenge game Bears fans were hoping to get against Glennon, the guy GM Ryan Pace once guaranteed $18 million to sign.
While it’s been a forgettable season for the Bears, outside linebacker Robert Quinn has given fans plenty of reason to remember it if only for a single moment. Quinn recorded his 18th sack of the season in the fourth quarter, surpassing Hall of Famer Richard Dent for the most sacks in a single season for the Bears.
The Bears offense was the direct beneficiary of the defense’s dominance, scoring 29 points — the second highest of the season. With rookie Justin Fields still sidelined with an ankle injury, it was Andy Dalton getting the starting nod. Dalton had a decent game, completing 18-of-35 passes for 173 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Chicago did remain committed to the run game, where David Montgomery totaled 22 rushes for 64 yards and two touchdowns. He also added two catches for 17 yards.
While this game doesn’t change anything in the grand scheme of things, it was an entertaining three hours that Bears fans don’t usually have the luxury to enjoy. Plus, there’s just one more game left of Matt Nagy’s tenure in Chicago.
