We’ve all seen the “Hot Takes” from the last weekend’s games

all over the net.In this series Bennie Fowler III Jersey , I’m letting some time pass, and after reviewing the game tape a couple of times, I’m going to share some “Cold Takes.” about the Bears suffocation of NFC North rival Minnesota. I’ll also sprinkle in a few thoughts about our division rivals. These are just a series of my thoughts and observations about the game as well as the Bears in general up until this point, presented in no particular order.My game ball goes to Eddie Jackson for the game winning pick 6. Runners up include Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks and Leonard Floyd.This game was ALL about the defense. Yes, the offense made some plays, but the this was a game of defensive domination by Chicago.We had that feeling on the first drive when Minnesota got the ball. After a pass to Stefon Diggs and a run got the Vikings a half-yard short of a first down, Chicago’s defense absolutely stuffed the third-down run. That’s when we knew “it was on”.On that play, Kyle Fuller got the stop but if you watch the game again, Akiem Hicks absolutely destroyed two players to penetrate three yards into the backfield. BEAST.On the Bears first drive, Mitchell Trubisky’s scramble was great up until the time he was tackled. By Cody Whitehair. Seriously, watch the play.Good news? Cody Parkey broke out of his funk with the first of his three field goals absolutely splitting the upright. The bad news? He kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds giving up the ball at the 40 yard line. Good Cody? Meet Bad Cody.The whole kicking game was interesting. Yes, Parkey did his job, but man I was flabbergasted when we went for two on that first TD. That’s off the charts (literally). I in fact was wondering if Parkey had hurt himself on the bad kickoff after his first field goal. Turns out no, it was just Matt Nagy being Matt Nagy.Let’s take a look at that defense & key players. Khalil Mack? What more needs to be said about the future Defensive Player Of The Year? Sack. Forced fumble. Recovery. Otherworldly.Akiem Hicks had 5 tackles for loss and a sack, but numbers do not do justice to the man’s destruction of the middle of that (admittedly iffy) Vikings offensive line. Leonard Floyd was everywhere, destroying the run, getting a ton of pressure and playing great coverage. Another fine game for Floyd, even though a lot of fans are screaming about his sack numbers. Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara both had excellent games again, as did Bryce Callahan.Adrian Amos had the big pick... yes, it was a deflection but bottom line is, he caught it. Roquan Smith had some great moments, but he had one really, really bad missed tackle that he would like to have back. Rookie was being a rookie. It’s too early to judge how good he will be, but I think he’s a future Pro Bowler. He’s already not a draft bust.Is everybody noticing the outstanding year Danny Trevathan is having, both as a player and as the man calling the defense? Danny’s having the best year of his Bears career by far, and probably the best overall year he’s had.How good has Aaron Lynch been this year? Well https://www.thebearsfanshop.com/Taylor-Gabriel-Jersey , the fact that the Bears really, really missed him in the fourth quarter as we were rotating pass rushers should tell you how solid he’s been.On the other side of the ball, I feel for Adam Shaheen. He made a huge two point catch, but to be concussed after only a few plays? Not good.As good as Allen Robinson was against Detroit, he was not nearly there against the Vikings. True, the Vikings defensive backs are about 10 zillion times better than Detroit’s (without Slay), but hey, AR didn’t have his best game.Anthony Miller is worth the price of admission.I have no idea when Mitchell Trubisky got hurt. I’m hoping it’s minor, but I do feel reassured a bit remembering how Chase Daniel absolutely dismantled Kansas City’s firsts with our seconds in the preseason. Took. Them. Apart. One might note that while it is pre-season, that Kansas City team is actually not bad. As I often do, I asked my fellow contributors at Windy City Gridiron to share some of their own Cold Takes, so here you go!Eric C. DuerrwaechterKhalil Mack just loves to bully offensive tackles who reside in the NFC North. Meanwhile, Trubisky showed that he can play winning football while posting mediocre stats against an elite defense. While his two picks were 1) ill advised and 2) ugly as can be, he made the Vikings pay with his ability to scramble for first downs. We’ve also seen some balance develop on offense, as Howard was fed the ball for quite a few stretches during the game. And Cody Parkey got himself out of a funk in inspiring fashion. Just a good team win against a good team in the Vikings. Andrew LinkThe Bears are the gold standard on defense in today’s NFL. With rule changes heavily favoring quarterbacks, the level of play from the position is the best it’s ever been on a league-wide scale. The fact that this defense is continually flummoxing offenses in this climate is nothing short of brilliant. Of course one can gripe about garbage yards and points, and I do, but even with the fourth quarter numbers being skewed, the Bears are obliterating opposing offenses. This may not ultimately be enough to get the Bears to the promised land this season, but there isn’t a team in the NFL that is going to want to play them in the playoffs. The future is bright Bears fans. Savor this season but know that as good as this team is, they should be markedly better next year, and that is the stuff that dreams are made of. Aaron LemingThe Bears are one of the NFL’s five best teams.At 7-3 that may seem a bit premature but their defense gives them a leg up on almost every team in the league, even with an offense that has been inconsistent. This may not be the ‘85 defense but in terms of today’s NFL, this is an elite defense by every stretch of the imagination and like they always say “defense wins championships” even if the Bears are a year away from fulfilling that destiny. Robert Zeglinski Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Leonard Floyd at their best like we saw on Sunday night is the best weapon the Bears have for a deep run in the playoffs. Not Mitchell Trubisky and the offense firing on all cylinders. Not an offense exploding every now and then. No. It’s this pass rush trio pinning their ears back and deciding to wreck a game like they did against the Vikings. No one else in the active NFL possesses that kind of salvo on defense. No one else has that kind of flexibility and potential to wreck a game defensively. Mack, Hicks Trey Burton Color Rush Jersey , and Floyd are so unique together in that respect, that they’ll be the main key and trump card in winning against the Saints or Rams in January. Suffice to say: the Bears should like their chances with this star trio getting rolling. Sam HouseholderThe Bears are 5-1 at home, the most home wins they’ve had there since 2013. Nagy has brought homefield advantage back to the lakefront.The Bears have more than six wins for the first time since 2013 and have seven wins before December 1 for the first time since 2012. This team is really taking on the personality of its coach and for the better. After three straight head coaches that, for the most part, were completely devoid of personality, it’s fun to see Swaggy Nagy rubbing off on the Bears. This team is fun and has personality and is winning to boot.Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.Matt Nagy could have used another year of play calling under his belt, but he’s learning on the job with a young offense that is doing the same. Even with the second half hiccups, his offense is still in the top half of the league and is capable of exploding at any point. Once it gels, this offense could be special. Whiskey RangerThis team is SO CLOSE to being a juggernaut. A few mental mistakes, and some play calling issues (especially late) is really all that stands in between this team and true greatness. I know they’re frustrating to watch at times, even in the wins, but it’s important to not miss the forest for the trees. This is already a very good team, and they are only getting better. We all need to occasionally take a step back, realize what a fun team this is, mistakes and all, and given the time of year, be Thankful for what we have the privilege of witnessing. The mistakes will come less often. The play calling will adjust and improve. The players will get more comfortable and experienced. And this team will grow into it’s potential. And we get to watch it all happen. Plus, as it stands, they’re 7-3 and kings of the north! Enjoy the ride Bears Fans! Enjoy the ride.OK, Chicago Bears fans, there you have it. What do you think? Spill the beans!The Bear’s Den, October 30, 2018 BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!BEARRRSSSSKaufman: Holding On - Zach Miller’s fight back - ChicagoBears.com - A year ago, Bears tight end Zach Miller went up for a touchdown catch in a game against the Saints. When he came down, his life changed forever. Ken's Note: Folks Cody Parkey Jersey , read this one!Dickerson: One year later Bears’ Zach Miller nears recovery milestone - Chicago Bears- ESPN - One year after a horrific leg injury, Bears TE Zach Miller is close to being cleared to run and at least can play around with his kids.Dickerson: Resting Khalil Mack benefits Bears in long term - Chicago Bears- ESPN - The Bears got by without Khalil Mack against the Jets and could rest him against the Bills so he’s ready for a key stretch.Emma: Bears To Listen On Trade Offers Ahead Of Tuesday’s Deadline - 670 The Score - The trade deadline passes at 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday.Mully & Haugh Show: Bears’ Akiem Hicks Tired Of Khalil Mack Questions - 670 The Score - Hicks would like to discuss the entirety of the unit, not Mack’s presence or absence.Emma: Bears Awaiting Details On Kyle Long’s Injury - 670 The Score - Long was carted off with a right foot injury late in a win Sunday.Campbell: 'I just saw green grass.' How Tarik Cohen's 70-yard TD reception unfolded for the Bears - Chicago Tribune - Tarik Cohen was the benefactor of a fortuitously-timed play call by Bears coach Matt Nagy against an aggressive Jets defense.Bears on TV: Kyle Long screams, Tony Romo picks on a costumed family, ratings juggernaut rolls on - Chicago Tribune - The Bears continue to be a big TV draw in Chicago. Kyle Long's foot injury sounded bad. Tony Romo picked on a family of costumed Bears fans. Plus some more media notes.Talarico: 'Efficient' Bears Take Care of Business at Home, Reclaim NFC North Lead - Da Bears Brothers Blog - The Chicago Bears took care of an inferior opponent at home. Even though this is the outcome that should have happened, it's still a big win.Bears grades: A dominant day for the ‘D’, save one unit - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears' defense locked down the Jets' offense despite not mustering much of a pass rush from its outside linebacking unit.Liotta: The Chicago Bears’ confusing rise to the top of the NFC North - TouchdownWire - See how the Chicago Bears went from NFC North bottom feeders to the kings of the north in the span of just two weeks.Mayer: Bears still evaluating Long’s foot injury - ChicagoBears.com - Bears coach Matt Nagy told reporters Monday that right guard Kyle Long’s right foot injury was still being evaluated and more would be known in the next 24-48 hours.Mayer: 3 things that stood out in Week 8 win - ChicagoBears.com - Senior writer Larry Mayer identifies three things that stood out in Sunday’s 24-10 win over the New York Jets, including a bounce-back performance by a stingy Bears defense.Mayer: Miller ‘very happy’ with recovery from serious injury - Sun Times - Exactly one year since Zach Miller sustained a devastating knee injury in New Orleans, the Bears tight end spoke to the media about his ordeal, the progress he’s made and his positive outlook.Medina: "A Special Throw" From Mitch Trubisky to Anthony Miller Re-Kindled a Budding Football Bromance - Bleacher Nation - With Allen Robinson out of the lineup, Anthony Miller turned out to be Mitch Trubisky's favorite target.Hughes: No Ugly Victories - Bears Beat Jets, Re-Take First Place in the NFC North - Da Bears Blog - Very strange game. The Jets didn’t have anywhere near the weapons to move the ball consistently. The Bears were just error-prone enough to keep the game competitive for three quarters. But it’s a win they absolutely needed. And unlike many recent vintages of the Chicago Bears, they got itFinley: Are the Bears saving Khalil Mack's ankle for their looming NFC North slate? - Sun Times - After the Bills game Sunday, the Bears play three NFC North games in 11 days.Finley: Bears TE Zach Miller runs toward positivity 1 year after injury - Sun Times - The Bears still haven’t cleared Zach Miller to run. Last week, far away from the Halas Hall campus, the tight end did it anyway.Potash: Bears awaiting word on injured RG Kyle Long, but ready to go to Plan B - Sun Times - Eric Kush, who had started the first six games, but missed Sunday’s win over the Jets with a stinger, is expected to practice and play this week.Bears vs. Jets: Five takeaways, including some poise from QB Mitch Trubisky - Sun Times - From Mitch Trubisky's poise to Bryce Callahan's big game, here are five takeaways from the Bears' win.Bears podcast: Hoge & Jahns break down win vs. the Jets - Sun Times - How well did quarterback Mitch Trubisky play? Did the Bears' defense miss outside linebacker Khalil Mack?Finley: How the Bears fared in their Week 8 win against the Jets - Chicago Sun-Times - Some weeks are better than others for the Bears. Here’s how three Bears fared in Sunday’s 24-10 win against the Jets:Knowels: Walter Payton's Porsche sells for $324,500 at auction - Chicago Tribune - Walter Payton's cherished 1979 Porsche 930 Turbo sold for $324,500 at auction this weekend in Schaumburg.Wiederer: ‘I want to know I gave it everything I could’ Zach Miller reflects on the anniversary of his gruesome knee injury - Chicago Tribune - Bears tight end Zach Miller opened up Monday on his journey back from last year's gruesome injury — a dislocated knee and torn popliteal artery that almost required his leg to be amputated. In a sitdown with the Tribune, Miller reflected on his path.Kane: As Bears await details on Kyle Long’s injury, coaches preparing offensive line contingency plan - Chicago Tribune - Bears coach Matt Nagy said he didn’t know yet if Kyle Long's injury is season-ending and would provide more on his status in the next day or two.Biggs: Even without a pass rush https://www.thebearsfanshop.com/Khalil-Mack-Jersey , the Bears' secondary locked down the Jets and Sam Darnold on 3rd down - Chicago TribuneThe Bears were rock solid on third down in Sunday's 24-10 victory over the Jets, keeping - rookie quarterback Sam Darnold in mostly third-and-long situations. The coverage was outstanding and that was without the benefit of much pass rush.Finley: NFL trade deadline - Bears don’t have obvious needs but ‘crazy’ not to listen - Chicago Sun-Times - They’ve already traded away their first round picks the next two years for Khalil Mack and their 2019 second-rounder for Anthony Miller.POLISH SAUSAGEFinally! Browns fire head coach Hue Jackson - Dawgs By Nature - Cleveland’s miserable time under Hue Jackson has come to an end.Cleveland Browns: Hue Jackson is the worst head coach in NFL history - Dawgs By Nature - Numbers reveal the undeniable truth that Jackson has no equal when it comes to losing.KNOW THY ENEMYTramon Williams: Ty Montgomery didn’t return kickoff for selfish reasons – ProFootballTalk - Packers cornerback Tramon Williams defended Ty Montgomery after several Packers players anonymously accused the running back of being selfish when he didn't take a knee on the kickoff late in Sunday's loss.Detroit Lions seeking mid-round pick for Golden Tate - NFL.com - The Detroit Lions could trade away wide receiver Golden Tate -- for the right offer. Tom Pelissero reports the team is seeking at least a mid-round pick for the talented wideout.Aaron Rodgers' Hollywood ending hijacked by rogue decision - NFL.com - With Rams QB Jared Goff nervously watching from the sideline, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers furiously watched his chance at another magical comeback disappear with Ty Montgomery's rogue decision. Michael Silver gets the inside scoop from an angry Green Bay locker room.Detroit Lions trade rumors: Lions ‘fielding calls’ for Golden Tate trade - Pride Of Detroit - NFL Network thinks a trade is unlikely unless they’re ‘blown away.’Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints: Five Game-Changing Plays - Daily Norseman - Looking back at the most important plays from the 30-20 loss to New Orleans.The best thing for Ty Montgomery and the Packers is for the team to move on - Acme Packing Company - It’s not just one decision that pushes Green Bay to this point, but the circumstances have conspired against the Packers receiver-turned-running back.More to Packers RB Ty Montgomery’s bad day than game-sealing fumble - Acme Packing Company - Ty Montgomery fumbled away the Packers’ last real opportunity to retake the lead on Sunday, but his bad game began earlier.IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRONZeglinski: Leonard Floyd had the best game of his 2018 season - Windy City Gridiron - Unburdened by coverage responsibilities, Floyd got after the Jets’ Sam Darnold. That and more in this week’s insights.Wiltfong: Chicago Bears trade rumors - Windy City Gridiron - Trade rumors are fairly quiet around the Chicago Bears, but Leonard Floyd’s name has popped up...Leming: Handing out Week 8’s game balls, after a 24-10 Chicago Bears win. - Windy City Gridiron - We highlight who stood out in Sunday’s game, as the Bears broke their two-game losing streakWiltfong's Bears vs. Jets: Snap counts, stats, and more - Windy City Gridiron - We’ll list out the complete playing time breakdown, and spotlight a few individual and team statistics from the Chicago Bears in their big-time 24-10 win against the New York Jets.Infante's Bears vs. Jets: Notes from a 24-10 victory - Windy City Gridiron - Despite not having Khalil Mack or Allen Robinson on the field, the Chicago Bears left Soldier Field with their third win at home on the year.WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS2 Minute Drill - Website - iTunes - Andrew Link; Steven’s Streaming – Twitch – Steven Schweickert; T-Formation Conversation - Website - iTunes - Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; WCG Radio - Website - iTunes - Robert ZeglinskiTHE RULESWindy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. 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