Miami Dolphins hold on 35-32 after a record-setting day from Bears QB Justin Fields
By: Jimmie Sykes
Before the game, I had several things I was looking for in the Chicago Bears matchup versus the Miami Dolphins.
How the defense plays vs. the Dolphins' offense after losing Roquan and Robert Quinn.
Newly acquired WR Chase Claypool’s impact on offense.
Will Darnell Mooney / Cole Kmet + others be more involved?
Justin Fields' response to Miami’s front seven.
Bears rushing attack — Offensive play calling, 3rd down situations—late game situational football.
Can the Bears pull out the win at home—Will they keep the game close?
All of the boxes checked positive besides the shortcoming to the now 6-3 Dolphins. Despite the loss, history was made at Soldier Field for the home quarterback. Justin Fields passed Michael Vick’s (173) single-game record in rushing yards by a quarterback. The second-year QB for the Chicago Bears ran for 178 yards and a score in the 35-32 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Fields finished with 123 yards passing and three touchdowns along with his phenomenal rushing performance. He found Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet twice through the air. Chicago continued their dominant effort on the ground with 252 yards in the loss. They continue to lead the league in rushing with valiant effort coming from David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert, and the record-setting QB Justin Fields.
The offense was expected to be a focal point for this Bears team moving forward. During the past three weeks, the Bears put up 94 points. That is more than they had in the first seven games combined (93). The Bears acquired former Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool for a second-round pick during the past week. This trade came shortly after sending All-Pro ILB Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for a AJ Klein, plus a second and fifth-round pick.
Claypool finished with two receptions for 13 yards on six targets. A missed pass interference with 1:35 remaining stopped the Bears from advancing with a fresh set of downs.
“It was definitely PI, for sure,” Justin Fields said.
The Dolphins' offense showed little signs of slowing down offensively. They hold game-changing speed on the outside with receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (five catches, 85 yards 1TD). Other offensive members such as Trent Sherfield and Raheem Mostert are lethal in speed, too. Hill leads the league in receiving yards with 1,104 in nine weeks.
The All-Pro WR finished with seven catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. Tua finished with 302 yards passing and three touchdowns. Former 49ers running back Jeff Wilson made his debut with the Dolphins, catching a four-yard score to make it 35-25 in the third quarter.
The game pace at Soldier Field was electric for both teams. Chicago still had a chance to take the lead after forcing a turnover on downs late and a blown PI call. On 4th and 10 with 1:29 remaining, Fields pass went right through the hands of WR Equanimeous St. Brown, who was passed the first down marker. Victory formation ensued for Miami.
“I feel you kind of got to take the positives out of it,” Fields said when asked about losing in a high-scoring fashion.
Shortcomings continue to haunt this rebuilding Bears team. Week in and week out, there is something to analyze on the plus side. A mid-season urgency to this offense adds more excitement for this team and the fanbase. Credit Head Coach Matt Eberflus to address that games are won in all three phases. Both offense and defense still have ways to go in filling in spaces. Cap space and draft picks are what this team will rely on to rebuild in the right direction.
Undrafted rookie ILB Jack Sanborn made his first career start, following the trade of Roquan Smith. Sanborn finished second in tackles for the defense with seven solos.
The best thing about Justin Fields' record-setting day is that no one was aware until the announcers called it out. After the game, Darnell Mooney was unaware that his QB broke the rushing record.
“Those Madden Ratings better go up,” said Mooney jokingly.
He gave high praise to Fields, saying that he is a dominant player and it comes as no surprise. He is always out there running around trying to make plays on offense when things break down.
Coach Eberflus takes the podium.
Coach Eberflus took the time to praise the recent success of the Bears QB. He noted Fields' pocket presence and improvement in looking downfield to throw the ball. He says his progression is dangerous for opposing defenses.
“We are building our football team. The centerpiece is the quarterback,” Flus said.
Chicago Bears fall to 3-6 after a record-setting performance in the loss. Next is an NFC North matchup at home versus the Detroit Lions (2-6).
