3 things that mattered, worked and didn't work for Chicago Bears against Seattle
Breaking down the Bears' 24-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night at Soldier Field.
3 moments that mattered:
1. Down 17-10 and trying to get into position for the tying score, the Seahawks went into an empty set with RB Rashaad Penny lined up wide. Prince Amukamara read the play perfectly, jumping the route to pick off Russell Wilson and race 49 yards for the touchdown.
2. The Bears weren't having much trouble moving the ball, but they were having trouble putting points on the board with only a 10-3 lead into the fourth quarter. Then Mitch Trubisky rolled left and fired a strike to Anthony Miller to cap an 11-play drive. Trubisky's throw was great and Miller's break out of his route was even better.
3. The effort certainly wasn't perfect from Trubisky, who made his share of highlight reel throws, but also missed on too many. Shaquill Griffin's first interception was particularly troublesome. Trubisky either failed to identify the single-high safety or severely underthrew Allen Robinson. That ball has to be six points.
3 things that worked:
1. Roquan Smith starting at inside linebacker. The Bears' first-round pick looked every bit the part in his first pro start. Smith was physical against the run and showcased his speed with his pass rush. Danny Trevathan and Smith could end up as one of the best inside linebacker combinations in the league.
2. Getting the ball to Robinson. There were hints of the chemistry between Trubisky and Robinson in Week 1, but it came into full view against the Seahawks. Robinson found holes in the defense all evening, sitting down between defenders as Trubisky found him time and time again for 83 yards on 10 catches.
3. Dominating at the line. Not surprisingly it all started with Khalil Mack, who once again came up with a strip sack in the first half, but he was far from alone. Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman were beasts on the interior. Even Aaron Lynch got in on the action. The Bears had five sacks by halftime.
3 things that didn't:
1. Establishing the run with Jordan Howard. The Bears talked a lot during the week about getting the football to their top running back more. That didn't materialize Monday with Howard finishing with 13 yards on seven carries in the first half. The lack of a ground game didn't hurt them against Seattle, but it will against better defenses.
2. Kyle Fuller in the fourth quarter. This makes it two weeks in a row that Fuller was beat for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Bears rewarded Fuller with a four-year contract during the offseason. It would be nice if he could at least turn around and look for the ball before giving up a score.
3. Putting a bad team away. Yes, the Bears came away with the win, but it shouldn't have been nearly that close at home in Soldier Field. The Seahawks are one of the worst teams in football. The offense has to score more than 10 points through three quarters, and the defense can't allow Seattle to score quickly once the Bears had extended their lead to 17-3.
What's next?
The Bears head out on the road to face the Arizona Cardinals for their second straight NFC West opponent. Given Arizona's struggles, the Bears will be favored whether the Cardinals start Sam Bradford or Josh Rosen at quarterback.
• For more on the NFL, visit profootballweekly.com and follow on Twitter @PFWeekly.