What an exhilarating game at Soldier Field [View all]

Calling the first-half pathetic would’ve been generous.

And yet, somehow, this team actually beat a team that just missed out on last year’s Super Bowl.

There were some positives and negatives this game.

Positives

- Justin knows how to use his mobility, and some big-time throws, too.

- I liked the play of some of the rookies. A tackle for a loss and fumble recovery by Jaquan Brisker, that was big, and how about fifth rounder Dominique Robinson with seven tackles and 1.5 sacks?

- The discipline. Three penalties for 24 yards? I’ll take that every day.

Negatives

- The offensive line looked rather underwhelming, especially early on. It was hard to get anything going inside.

- The secondary can still be spotty in spite of Eddie Jackson’s pick. They got beat pretty good about 3-4 times. It looks like Kyler Gordon can tackle, but can he cover?

- Cairo Santos missing not one, but two extra points vindicates the unsportsmanlike penalty when Gill had the towel earlier because there’s no saying he would’ve made it given the misses.

There’s lots to improve upon, but this feels so good. Victory Monday will be oh so sweet.

Bear Down, baby.