DENVER — The final minute overshadowed virtually everything else that happened in the Bears’ 16-14 victory over the Broncos on Sunday, but there was plenty to unpack from the bizarre afternoon.
Here are three quick takeaways from the game:
Recommitment to running. The Bears ran more in the first half against the Broncos than they did in the entirety of their opener. They gained 59 yards on 16 attempts before halftime, and rookie David Montgomery led them with four carries for 30 yards. Montgomery finished with 62 yards and a touchdown, and the team’s 153 yards rushing was its fifth-highest under Matt Nagy.
Mack manhandles Broncos. Khalli Mack loves Denver. He has dominated the Broncos more than any other opponent over his career, and his first-quarter sack of Joe Flacco was his 11th in nine games against them. It was also his first sack of the season after a quiet statistical night in the opener.
MegaPunt returns. Kickers aren’t the only ones who enjoy getting extra distance at Empower Field. Bears punter Pat O’Donnell unloaded a career-long 75-yard punt with 40 seconds left in the second quarter, sticking the Broncos at their own 13-yard line and essentially eliminating any chance of them sneaking a score in before halftime.
