There was a time when there was hope and optimism surrounding Matt Nagy and his Chicago Bears. The year was 2018, and the Bears cruised to a 12-4 record and their first NFC North title in eight years.
That was the same year Nagy won Coach of the Year, which seems ridiculous given how things have transpired in the three years since. During that 2018 season, Nagy became famous for his trick plays — be it “Santa’s Sleigh,” “Oompa Loompa,” “Freezer Left” or “Willy Wonka.”
Just as Nagy appears on his way out of Chicago, he pulled out a new trick play called “Atomic Bomb” against the Cardinals. And while it looked like it was a potential disaster in the making, Chicago turned it into a massive gain.
Jakeem Grant says the name of the Bears’ trick play today was called “Atomic Bomb.” Apt since it was the only explosive play of the game for the offense.
— Alex Shapiro (@AlexShapiroNBCS) December 5, 2021
In the third quarter on first-and-10 from the Chicago 40-yard line, running back David Montgomery took the direct snap in the wildcat formation and handed the ball off to receiver Jakeem Grant, who then pitched it to quarterback Andy Dalton.
Dalton looked like he was done for as Cardinals pass rusher Devon Kennard was bearing down on him. But Dalton evaded the sack and found Grant downfield for a 34-yard completion to set Chicago up on the Arizona 26-yard line.
That play led to a one-yard touchdown from Dalton to tight end Jimmy Graham to bring the Bears to within 10 points, 24-14. Unfortunately, that was the closest they’d get.
