These 4 Bears earned game balls in Week 17's win over Falcons
Justin Fields was one of four players who led the way in the Chicago Bears' Week 17 win over the Falcons.
On a cold and snowy New Year's Eve day, the Chicago Bears delivered a systematic beatdown of the Atlanta Falcons, punishing them in all three phases and winning by a score of 37-17. The defense hauled four takeaways and forced Falcons' head coach Arthur Smith to bench Taylor Heinicke in the fourth quarter.
On offense, Justin Fields had what many are calling the best game of his career. He threw for 268 yards on 20 for 32 passing, had a passing and a rushing touchdown, and did not give the ball away (he fumbled once late in the game, but the Bears recovered it).
This was the kind of game that both Fields and head coach Matt Eberflus desperately needed. Both are still on the hot seat in the minds of many fans and analysts, and nothing but a near-flawless end to the season would save their jobs. The pressure is especially on for Fields now that the Bears officially own the first overall pick in the draft, thanks to the Carolina Panthers. As good as he's been, replacing Fields is as easy as selecting a new quarterback with the first pick.
There's also the season finale next week, an away game against the Green Bay Packers, winners of nine straight over Chicago. It's the kind of game that seems like it could decide the fates of Eberflus and Fields.
But that's for next week. For now, Chicago Bears fans can enjoy a fantastic win on a holiday weekend.
With that in mind, let's get to the Bears game balls.
Justin Fields
The man of the hour. As aforementioned, Fields delivered a big game in a big moment. Despite the Bears officially being eliminated from playoff contention, there's still plenty for Fields to play for, and he needed a game like Week 17 in the worst way.
Fields earned this game ball. If he plays like this again against the Packers in Week 18, he could once and for all prove that he is this team's franchise quarterback.
DJ Moore
Another hearty thank you to Carolina for trading DJ Moore to Chicago last offseason.
Moore was once again unstoppable, putting up 159 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. He now has 1,300 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns this season, both of which are career highs.
What's even more impressive is that Moore is doing this with very little help. Besides tight end Cole Kmet, no other pass catcher on the team has proven to be a consistent threat to defenses, and Darnell Mooney wasn't even active for this game.
If the Chicago Bears add a blue-chip wide receiver in the draft, this passing attack could become lethal.
Khalil Herbert
I wrote in my keys to victory article before the game that the Bears needed a big boost from a rushing attack that had gone flat the last few weeks, and Khalil Herbert delivered in spades. He carried the rock 18 times for 124 yards and a touchdown, including an impressive 38-yard scamper. Take away that run, and he still averaged over 5 yards per carry.
Khalil Herbert looks explosive again.pic.twitter.com/y0QFKmOzUc
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 24, 2023
Tyrique Stevenson
The rookie cornerback has come into his own over the last month, an incredible improvement from what was a truly horrendous start to his career.
Much like his teammate Kyler Gordon, a little patience was all that was needed. Stevenson pulled in two interceptions on Sunday, the first multi-interception game of his career, and batted away four other passes.
If the Bears extend Jaylon Johnson this offseason, and they absolutely should, I could see these two young corners being one of the best duos in the league for years to come.
Honorable Mentions: Cole Kmet, for even suiting up despite a troublesome knee injury, TJ Edwards and Kyler Gordon, both of whom snagged an interception, Gervon Dexter, who recorded 1.5 sacks, and the entire coaching staff.
Who do you think deserves a game ball? Comment below!
