Kelley L Cox-USA Today Sports
The Marc Trestman era has officially begun for the Chicago Bears. Despite the changes in coaching personnel, Chicago used the same defensive-minded formula that has earned them the nickname “Monsters of the Midway.” Veteran leader Charles Tillman set the tone with two key interceptions, and fellow pro-bowl corner Tim Jennings caused and recovered a crucial fumble to help the Bears erase an 11-point second half deficit.
The game ball goes to former CFL coach Trestman for winning his NFL head coaching debut. I’ll admit that I am going out on a limb on this one. Tillman, Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler all turned in MVP type performances, but there’s a reason I’m giving Trestman my game ball. Just a quick look at the box score and two numbers stand out: No. 0 and No. 1. The No. 0 represents the number of times Cutler got sacked. The No. 1 represents the number of times the Bears turned the ball over.
The two things that plagued the Lovie Smith Bears were sacks and turnovers. It seems like Trestman has the Bears improving in those departments. When is the last time Cutler didn’t get sacked in a game? To me, this shows that Trestman’s scheme is exactly what it was advertised to be: quick and fast paced. Cutler didn’t hold on to the ball too long, and showed his athleticism to extend plays when needed. Additionally, the passing game wasn’t heavily dependent on Marshall, and four different players had three or more receptions.
The Bears stay at home next week as their NFC North Rival Minnesota Vikings come into town.
