Usually I write a paragraph here, introducing the concept below. But doesn’t the headline do all that work? Do you really need further explanation of this piece? I don’t think you do. So read away…
(#5) Kyle Fuller’s Dropped Interception
Yes, this was a negative play. But it is the singular moment of adversity that seems to have inspired the entirety of the 2018 campaign. Every big play, every dance routine, every sack of the quarterback, seems to have been motivated by that Aaron Rodgers pass sailing off the chest of Fuller.
(#4) All Those Touchdown Passes Against the Bucs (tie)
After three games, 2018 felt like it was going to be a long, developmental-type season for Mitch Trubisky. Then Week 4 happened. 354 yards. 6 touchdowns. Yes, it was against the hapless Buccaneers but it was still the kind of explosive performance this organization was not using to seeing from the quarterback position. Seeing it was important for Bears fans, Bears players/coaches and for the quarterback himself. That game elevated expectations for the entire year.
(#3) Akiem Hicks Scores a Touchdown
Week 13, in the Meadowlands, Daniel handed the ball to Hicks at the goal line and the behemoth scored (easily). It was the play that best symbolized the sense of pure fun Matt Nagy has brought to this organization. He’s not afraid of comparisons to the ’85 edition of this franchise. Fridge be damned! He’s just out there calling plays, having a good time and inspiring his players to do the same.
(#2) Eddie Goldman Sacks Goff For Safety
Week 14. Primetime. Early third quarter. 6-6. Jared Goff drops into the end zone and Eddie Goldman, as if shot out of cannon, rips him to the ground for a safety. 8-6. After the kick, the Bears seized the momentum, ran it right down the throat of the Rams, and capped off their most impressive victory of the season with a touchdown pass to backup tackle Bradley Sowell. This is the play that allowed the words “Super” and “Bowl” to creep into the conversation.
(#1) Eddie Jackson Takes Cousins to the House
The primetime affair between the Vikings and Bears in Week 11 was the most important regular season game played at Soldier Field in more than a generation. And up 14-6, with under nine minutes to go, it started to feel like the Minnesota was about to upend a game the Bears had dominated. Then Kirk Cousins threw a pass and Eddie Jackson jumped the route. Ballgame – and NFC North – over.
