[2023] (Bears Game Recap - Week 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts) Pat Flexen shines in first game as starter as Bears take down Colts

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Bears quarterback Gerald Lewis avoids an incoming pass rush in the Bears' 17-13 win over the Colts. 

Despite concern about the state of the Bears, it seemed as if the Bears cast all doubt away with what seemed to be a easy yet hard-fought win for the Chicago Bears. In a make-or-break game the Bears tried their best, but their efforts only gave the Bears 17 points. Luckily, the defense did its part as the Bears hold on to a 4-point victory. Perhaps indicative on a lack of game that the Bears have noticed over the season, but with a team like this you can take any win you can get. This just shows that the Bears can play well against okay teams. It may seem overwhelming as they did bring the Titans game to overtime, but that shouldn't be a weight for the Bears to wallow in. 

The game went as such: The Bears started off the scoring off of a Josh Nelson field goal and never looked back. Despite the Colts' attempt to come back from the deficit, the Bears were able to hold them down. Once again, it was the defense that helped tremendously as the Bears won the game yet again, The Bears defense only held the Colts over to a lone touchdown in the third quarter, which is a vast improvement from the number of points they gave up last week. And as the passing game was weak for the Bears -- Gerald Lewis managed to have the ball picked off twice despite two touchdowns -- the running game made up for it. The running core torched the Indianapolis defense, totaling for 142 rushing yards compared to a measly 21 for Indy's rush offense. The game was a slight improvement to the game, and nemolee.exe confessed it 

"Was this game perfect? Honestly, I wouldn't say that. But we did win against the Colts, so that says a lot. We might not win every game, but winning this game shows that we are competent -- and that hopefully shows that we could win the NFC North. That is my hope, but nothing is a given." 

POTG: RB Pat Flexen - 24 attempts, 103 yards, 4.29 YPA
Player of the Game

With Gerald Lewis not being his old self this game, the offensive player of the game definitely goes to Pat Flexen. And as there was not much from the defense this game (strangely), he also is our Player of the Game. You couldn't blame him, he somewhat impressed in his first game as a starter for the Bears, It wasn't a flashy scoreline, he went 103 yards for 24 attempts, perhaps totaling a 4.29 yards per carry, but he was the one who did the most work for the Bears. For that, nemolee.exe feels as if he found the next RB1. This could be good news -- as the Bears might need insurance for if Gerald Lewis doesn't play to his full potential moving forward.

There was not a lot of interesting stat lines for the Bears' defense despite them putting the hold on the Colts. But, if anything, defensive tackle Reyes Dzul had something interesting. He did have only 3 tackles, but all of those tackles were for a loss. Included in those tackles was one of two sacks by the Chicago defense. This is something that you actually never see, but this is something that is possible if you are in fighting in the trenches. However, even if there aren't many huge contributions from the defense, it's safe to say maybe the entire defense could be the players fo the game right here. 

Minnesota Vikings running back Aldrick Ynoa aboids a trio of Tennessee defenders for a 44-yard run in the Vikings' 42-38 loss against the Titans 

Rival Check 

It was a very interesting week for the NFC North. It was a 1-1-1 showing for the rest of the teams in the NFC North. However, given that the last two weeks were rough for the boys up north, it's a huge improvement anyways. 

The earliest game for the NFC North was a strange one, as the Lions hosted the Giants over in Detroit. In an awkward turn of events, the Lions and Giants game headed over to overtime, making it the second time in a row an NFC North team has made it to OT. However, instead of a victor, both the Lions and the Giants tied the game with 13 points in an awkward twist of events. Randall Hansen struggled in the game, but did get one touchdown for his efforts. Despite this, the Lions defense made sure that Giants quarterback Jan Miles had an even worse game, setting him up for an unbelievable 5 interceptions. Lions cornerback Daniel Ortiz did have 2 interception in an impressive showing for Detroit. 

Heading into the afternoon, the Packers found themselves in a clash against the San Fransisco 49ers. The 49ers were seen as the weaker team in this matchup, so this was an easy cakewalk for the Pack. In fact, it was a 27-3 bulldozing. Carl Frost rushed for 80 yards in the win, getting for 80 yards, And the defense was amazing, with interceptions from Joe Perez and Lee Kiser. The Packers did suffer an interception, but it was off the backup Jack Taylor. Do realize that this is without the rookie tight end Ramik Phelps. 

Finally, it is the Vikings losing yet again for some reason. But this was something that could give the Vikings the momentum they need to hopefully win their next game. This is a better game for them, pushing the Titans to 38 points. Unfortunately, the Titans scored 42 points to steal the victory and had the magic early in the game with a 14-0 lead heading into the first quarter. Christian Sinnock has a much better game that the last two weeks combined, going 26 for 43 for 495 yards, 11.51 yard per catch, and  4 touchdowns. Paul Gurule was also a huge part in the Vikings loss, somehow going for 384 yards. Although it wasn't enough, it was a much better showing then we are used to seeing form the Vikings the past two weeks. 

Heading into the next week, we will be seeing yet another NFC North matchup. This time it will be the Lions heading over to the rowdy U.S. Bank Stadium to face off against the Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile for the Packers, they will be heading over to our nation's capital as they will play against the reigning Super Bowl champion Washington Commanders. 

The Bears once head on the road after a quick game at home, this time heading to the Big Apple to face the New York Giants in Week 4

Next Game:

This time around, the Bears will be avenging a fellow NFC North peer. The Bears will be avenging the Lions for their tie this week, as the Bears will head over to New York and play against the Giants. This game will be a true test for the Bears as the Giants seem to be a tough-as-nails team on paper. However, it seems like the Giants are more of a mixed bag this year -- starting with a win against the Houston Texans and then suffering an embarrassing loss at the home opener against the Commanders a week later. Then, of course, there was the tie against the Lions. This makes the game unpredictable at this point, and all Chicago can do is wait and see which Giants team we see next week. 

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Edited July 2, 2023 by nemolee.exe