People are going to look at the stat line and say Mitch Trubisky had a terrible game in Baltimore. He went 8-of-16 for 113 yards and a touchdown. He also fumbled on a strip-sack. Of course per usual that is not telling the entire story. Truth be told the rookie entered a beyond difficult situation, played smart for the most part and made key plays that got his team a victory.
For the most part the 27-24 victory belonged to Jordan Howard and the defense. Both were outstanding all afternoon. Sadly both were almost undone by maddening mental errors elsewhere, specifically special teams. Chicago gave up a kick return touchdown, a punt return touchdown and shanked a punt in overtime that almost set up a winning field goal for the Ravens.
Howard ran for 167 yards on 36 grueling carries. The defense forced three takeaways and smothered Joe Flacco most of the afternoon. Yet that makes it easy to overlook the crucial moments where their young quarterback made plays when they needed to happen. (continue to next page)
