Khalil Mack had more pressure in Week 1 than the entire Oakland Raiders defense

Final thought on week 1

J.J. Stankevitz: As the winner of Aaron Rodgers against Randall Cobb fades, the Bears can take this to heart: it is a team with a talent far better than what we have seen in past years. Khalil Mack is a monster, while Akiem Hicks and Roy Robertson-Harris immediately benefited from his presence with excellent games. In attack, the pieces are there but not yet assembled.

There is still a lot to be done for this Bears team – coaches and players – before they become legitimate playoff contenders. But while losing to Rodgers in the worst way was brutal, he does not have to define this season.

Cam Ellis: It may not be the most important thought, and it's probably not even one of the first 5 results of the game, but I found myself constantly on Roquan Smith's account. Even with Matt Nagy explicitly stating that Smith was going to be put into action, eight snapshots for the entire game seem … surprising? Unsatisfactory? On the defensive side, only Sam Acho, Sherrick McManis and Marcus Cooper saw less action. I get retention, I feel the hamstrings, but J.J.'s point in today's article on Smith is accurate: eight clichés are revealing.

First thought of the week 2

Stankevitz: On the surface, the Seahawks seem beatable. The Boom Legion is no longer with as many key members of this Super Bowl winning unit as long articles about the disappearance of this team. But the Seahawks still managed 24 points – in a losing effort – against a solid defense by the Denver Broncos and should learn from the Rodgers' quick victory and success against the Bears defensemen on Sunday. However, they dropped 27 in a losing effort.

I'm interested in how the Bears will face Seattle this week, but at first glance it looks like a game that could be a good opportunity for Nagy to win his first win.

Ellis: Of all the things the Seahawks have accomplished over the last half-decade, building a talented and consistent offensive line is not one of them. In its week-long loss to the Broncos, Seattle awarded six sacks (only three to Von Miller). There are bags to be made this Monday night, and I think this is another great opportunity for the Bears defense to gain confidence. The last two minutes of the first half Sunday night provided a glimpse of what this defense can be. They will have plenty of opportunities to show it again.