Jets 31, Bears 10
Both teams made quarterback changes ahead of this game, albeit for different reasons. The Jets decided to bench Zach Wilson after he refused to accept responsibility for his poor play after last week’s loss to the Patriots. The Bears, meanwhile, had to go with Trevor Siemian because Justin Fields suffered an injury in Atlanta the prior week. There was some speculation that Nathan Peterman would get the nod for Chicago after Siemian got hurt in pre-game warmups, but Siemian was able to play.
For a while, it seemed like Siemian would be able to engage in an unexpected shootout with White, but this game was completely one-sided in the second half, with the Jets outscoring the Bears after the break, 14-0. White was stellar throughout the entire game, and that is not an exaggeration. Playing in a downpour, White began hot, completing six of his first seven passes for 69 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive. Wilson was then able to thread the needle on a 42-yard pass to Elijah Moore. These were just some of White’s bright moments in this game.
The Jets sat on the ball in the fourth quarter, but White made a big impact by going 22-of-28 for 315 yards and three touchdowns. He was infinitely better than Wilson, albeit in a very easy matchup. Still, White gives the Jets a legitimate chance to make a run in the playoffs because he can actually move the ball to complement New York’s great defense.
White was able to spread the ball around, but his favorite target was Garrett Wilson, who snatched five of his eight targets for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Moore (2-64) also scored, while Tyler Conklin made three grabs for 50 yards.
It wasn’t surprising that White played well, so perhaps the most shocking element of this game was that someone named Zonovan Knight led the Jets in rushing. Not only did Knight gain 69 yards on 14 carries; he also caught three passes for 34 receiving yards. Knight was on the field because Michael Carter (6-21) got hurt, so Knight should be added in fantasy leagues.
As indicated earlier, Siemian had a hot start. He was able to attack the middle of the field with some precision passing, and he was even able to command the Bears to an early 10-7 lead. However, Siemian’s carriage turned into a pumpkin, as he had a rough second half. He was just 6-of-14 for 52 yards and an interception following intermission. Overall, Siemian went 14-of-25 for 179 yards, one touchdown and the pick.
