Setting A Bear Trap

By : Mike Rifkin

The Dolphins tour of the NFC North continues with a trip to Soldier Field to play the Bears. Both teams were active at the trade deadline for different reasons. The Dolphins acquired Edge rusher Bradley Chubb from the Broncos and running back Jeff Wilson from the 49ers. The Bears traded former Dolphin Edge Rusher Robert Quinn to the Eagles and Linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens for draft picks. They did acquire receiver Chase Claypool from the Steelers. 

The Dolphins are coming off a 31-27 win over the Lions. The Dolphins defense pitched a shutout in the second half after giving up 27 points in the first half. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa played arguably his best game in the NFL, completing 29 of 36 passes for 382 yards and three touchdowns. Both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle went over 100 yards receiving and Waddle had two touchdowns. The Dolphins also ran for 107 yards and averaged 4.1 yards per carry. 

The Bears are coming off a 49-29 loss to the Cowboys. The Bears, who once trailed in the game 28-7 cut it 28-23 before the Cowboys pulled away. Justin Fields went 17-23 for 151 yards and two touchdowns. He added 60 yards and a touchdown rushing. The Bears as a team ran the ball for 240 yards and averaged 5.6 yards per carry, led by Khalil Herbert’s 99 yards and a touchdown. Fields was sacked four times on Sunday, putting his season total at 31. Fields was sacked 36 times in 12 games last season. The Bears defense gave up 200 yards rushing and 6.9 yards per carry against the Cowboys including 131 yards and three touchdowns to Tony Pollard. 

Two teams heading in opposite directions, the Bears have lost three of their last four, while the Dolphins have won two in a row after losing three straight. The Bears are in a similar position that the Dolphins were in last season, and now by adding Chase Claypool they are checking to see if Justin Fields is their long term solution at Quarterback.