The Bears' four-game losing streak is finally over. Maybe it took a Matthew Stafford back injury and an overall depleted Lions' roster to end the skid, but a win is a win. The Bears' 20-13 victory keeps hope alive for a wild-card run in the second half of the season, and at this point, there isn't much more fans can ask for.
There were several bright spots for the Bears in Week 10's win. In fact, Chicago looked the more like last year's version of the team than at any point so far in 2019. The offense was at least respectable and the defense played good enough to preserve a victory.
Was it a perfect game? No. But it was a win, and there were a few stud performances (as well as some duds) worth noting.
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Stud: ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
It's time to seriously consider what Kwiatkoski's role and long-term projection should be with the Bears at this point. For the second time this season, the fourth-year linebacker stepped up when his number was called and delivered in a big way. He did it in Week 4 against the Vikings when Roquan Smith was deactivated for personal reasons, and on Sunday against the Lions, he filled in after Danny Trevathan suffered an arm injury that's likely to keep him out for an extended period of time. Kwiatkoski played 65 snaps (78%) and thrived. He ended the game with nine tackles, a sack and an interception.
Assuming Trevathan is out for a few weeks, Kwiatkoski could be auditioning for a long-term contract with the Bears; his rookie contract expires at season's end. He's earned himself a nice chunk of change already with his play this year, but if he maintains the level of production we've seen in Week 4 against the Vikings and Sunday against the Lions, he'll break the bank in free agency.
Dud: K Eddy Pineiro
NFL
Was Pineiro terrible against the Lions? No. But he did miss an extra point which once again brings unnecessary attention (or maybe very necessary) to the kicking game. Every miss matters in the NFL, and it's especially true for a Bears team that isn't good enough to leave any points on the field (or off the uprights).
Stud: WR Allen Robinson
Robinson was the pace car for the Bears' wide receivers once again on Sunday. He finished the game catching six of his nine targets for 86 yards. He defeated Lions defensive backs on all three levels of the passing game and at this point in the season, there isn't much left to say about A-Rob. He's just a stud.
Dud: CB Kyle Fuller
Fuller wasn't at his best against the Lions and was picked on quite a bit by Detroit backup Jeff Driskel. Who saw that coming?! Fuller was roasted by Kenny Golladay for a 47-yard touchdown and seemed out of sorts all game. Chalk it up to an off day for Fuller, who's normally one of Chicago's most reliable starters on defense.
Stud: RB David Montgomery
Strictly going off statistics, Montgomery won't jump out as one of the Bears' studs from Sunday's win. He totaled 60 yards on 17 carries (3.5 yards per carry) and didn't contribute anything as a receiver. But it was the way he ran — the power, intensity and 'want to' — that was inspiring. It's only a matter of time before Montgomery stacks a few big games together and ascends into the tier of must-stop backs. Chicago's offensive line has been a mess this season and Montgomery is paying for it. But don't use his stats to define his talent; Montgomery has superstar potential.
Dud: TE Trey Burton
The curious case of Trey Burton continued against the Lions in a game that saw seldom-used tight end Ben Braunecker catch a touchdown. Braunecker played just 12 snaps. Burton, who played 20 snaps, had one target and zero catches. It's been a downright brutal year for Bears tight ends and Burton is the headliner. Chicago could, in theory, move on from Burton this offseason when he'd count as $7.5 million of dead money against the cap next year. It's more likely he'll stick around until the end of next season, when his dead-cap figure drops to $1.75 million in 2021. Regardless of when the Bears decide to cut the cord, Burton is trending toward becoming GM Ryan Pace's worst free-agent contract to date.
Stud: QB Mitch Trubisky (kind of)
Trubisky delivered a performance that was good enough for the Bears to win the game. He completed 16-of-23 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns, and at times looked like the kind of confident strong-armed passer he was expected to be when the Bears selected him second overall in 2017. But to say Sunday was a perfect game for Trubisky would be setting the bar really, really low. Chicago had several three-and-out possessions lowlighted by Trubisky crumbling under pressure in the pocket; there's still a lot of work to do. But Week 10 was a significant step forward for a quarterback who needs confidence-builders like Sunday's win. He looked the part (for the most part), and that's a lot more than we can hope for at this point from Trubisky.