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NFL • 2 months ago

5 Biggest Takeaways From Chicago Bears’ Week 16 Win

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5 Biggest Takeaways From Chicago Bears’ Week 16 Win

Chicago Bears-Josh Bellamy and Ka'Deem Carey celebrating — With nothing but pride to play for, the Chicago Bears finally got back on the winning side with a 26-21 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. With some key players sidelined, the Bears and all of their fans had a chance to see who could possibly be contributors in 2016, as well as what is needed to help them next season. Here are some things that we learned in this week’s win.

With nothing but pride to play for, the Chicago Bears finally got back on the winning side with a 26-21 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16. With some key players sidelined, the Bears and all of their fans had a chance to see who could possibly be contributors in 2016, as well as what is needed to help them next season. Here are some things that we learned in this week’s win.

5. Robbie Gould Is Officially Out of His Slump

Chicago Bears-Robbie Gould celebrating with team

5. Robbie Gould Is Officially Out of His Slump

After missing three consecutive field goals during a stretch in Weeks 13 and 14, Robbie Gould assured any doubters that he is still one of the best kickers in the NFL. Gould connected on all four of his field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder.

4. Bears’ O-Line Showed Their Dominance In Run Game

Chicago Bears-Hroniss Grasu and John Fox

4. Bears’ O-Line Showed Their Dominance In Run Game

Entering Week 16, the Buccaneers’ run defense was ranked No. 2 in the league, but that dominance didn’t show against the Bears. Chicago’s backfield, which includes quarterback Jay Cutler, combined for 174 yards on the ground. This was all because of the Bears’ O-line. Chicago’s offensive front manhandled Tampa Bay at the line of scrimmage from the very start.

3. Harold Jones-Quartey Might Be Quality Starter In 2016

Chicago Bears-Harold Jones-Quartey vs Buccaneers

3. Harold Jones-Quartey Might Be Quality Starter In 2016

Chicago has had inconsistent play at the safety position over the past few years. In the win over Tampa Bay in Week 16, it seemed as if undrafted rookie Harold Jones-Quartey could be a possible safety of the future. Jones-Quartey had four tackles to go along with an interception and a forced fumble against the Bucs. If he continues to produce like this, he and fellow rookie safety Adrian Amos could be a solid duo in the secondary.

2. Chicago Can’t Wait For Kevin White To Play Next Season

Chicago Bears-Kevin White rookie minicamp

2. Chicago Can’t Wait For Kevin White To Play Next Season

There have been several games this year where wide receivers for the Bears not named Alshon Jeffery played poorly, and the game in Week 16 was no different. With Jeffery sidelined, Eddie Royal, Marc Mariani and Josh Bellamy combined for only nine catches for 63 yards. The presence of Kevin White in 2016 should change all of this.

1. Performance of Backup RBs Might Mark End For Matt Forte

1. Performance of Backup RBs Might Mark End For Matt Forte

Matt Forte did have a productive day before being forced to leave with a back injury. While sidelined, Forte saw rookie Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey shine in his place. Langford had a game-high 83 rushing yards, while Carey scored touchdowns rushing and receiving. The production of Forte’s backups against the Bucs could be a good indication of what 2016 has in store—a backfield without Forte.

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Clyde A. Speller is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter

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