Chicago Bears (2-1) – Houston Texans (0-2-1): 23-20
Thank you Davis Mills (20/32, 245 yards, 1 TD, 2 int). And well done Roquan Smith. With just over a minute remaining, the Texans quarterback threw a nasty interception into the hands of the Chicago linebacker. The problem is, it was way out in Houston’s yard. Chicago only had to run once and put the knee on the ground to run the clock. Cairo Santos then converted the winning field goal to 30 yards.
The exclamation point of a game far from spectacular. Chicago had a clear game plan: run. 40 runs for 17 assists. Again not helped by his line, Justin Fields (8/17, 106 yards, 2 interceptions) almost took as many sacks (5) as he completed passes.
If the attack of Houston was more balanced, it was not more skilful. That’s what saved Chicago.
Houston just had to finish the job
In the game of irregularity, these two franchises arise there. In the first half, the offensive squads alternated points, but also punts or interceptions. The Bears got off to the best start, with a kick and then a touchdown from Khalil Herbert (20 carries, 157 yards, 2 TDs) on their first two possessions. Even after David Montgomery’s quick injury exit, Chicago is on the run.
Houston took the lead at the break with touchdowns from Jordan Akins and Dameon Pierce. 14-13 for Houston at the break. Both quarterbacks have already been intercepted once each.
With two field goals from the Texans and a touchdown from the Bears, the second half got off to a good start. Yes, but that will be all. While Chicago is ultra-predictable and the defense does the job, Mills and his teammates are unable to finish the job.
So the game gets bogged down. An interception by Fields and four cumulative punts later, Mills had match point with 1:42 to play. He starts from his 17 yards. Three plays later, he puts the decisive interception in the hands of Smith.
Matt Eberflus has the merit of doing what he can with what he has: in this case, neither line nor quarterback. So his team gained 281 yards on the ground and managed the defensive action it needed. Lovie Smith can’t say the same. He never managed to make a difference in a wide range game.
