It was another plodding, ugly game for the Bears as they visited the Rams on Monday, and many of their problems were self-inflicted. Here’s a look at some of the details that might get overlooked in the aftermath of the game:
Penalty problems. The Bears continued to pad their lead as the most penalized defense in the NFL, including four in the first three quarters by defensive tackle Akiem Hicks. Hicks was flagged for illegal use of hands (declined), roughing the passer (declined), a neutral-zone infraction and unsportsmanlike conduct for jumping on a pile.
Injury scares. The Bears had two tense moments in the third quarter when safety Eddie Jackson and outside linebacker Khalil Mack got injured on consecutive plays. Jackson hurt his left knee leaping for a pass, which was especially alarming considering it was a non-contact play. He was cleared quickly and returned on the next series. Mack came up grabbing his ankle, but stayed in the game.
Mooney keeps moving. No Bears skill player seems as suited for this offense as rookie wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who continued to impress. Mooney had 21 yards on his first two catches, and 20 of those yards came after the catch. The Bears need players who can turn nothing into something, and Mooney has been doing it all season.
