Jesse Rogers, ESPN Staff WriterJan 2, 2022, 03:58 PM ET
Close
- Jesse joined ESPN Chicago in September 2009 and covers MLB for ESPN.com.
CHICAGO -- Bears defensive end Robert Quinn set a franchise single-season sack record Sunday with his 18th takedown after he tackled New York Giants quarterback Mike Glennon in the fourth quarter of Chicago's 29-3 win.
"It's an honor," the soft-spoken Quinn said after the game. "At the end of the day, I'm just doing my job."
Quinn, 31, got close several times in the game before eventually beating left tackle Andrew Thomas for the strip sack (though the ball was recovered by the Giants). The sequence came about midway through the fourth.
"People [my teammates] didn't let me forget about it all day," Quinn said. "I just tried to brush it off and play football."
Quinn broke former Super Bowl MVP Richard Dent's mark of 17.5 sacks set in 1984. He began the season with 5.5 sacks in his first seven games played and then went on a tear, recording at least one sack in his past eight games, including Sunday.
His best day came in late November when he recorded 3.5 sacks against the Baltimore Ravens.
Quinn spoke to Dent on Saturday, and the two joked about Dent earning his 17.5 sacks in a 16-game season. The NFL added another game this season but Quinn was able to break the record in the Bears' 16th game -- not needing No. 17 next week.
"If it took 17 games, he would have called me and made sure I knew what the heck was going on," Quinn said with a smile. "It was quite funny. He said he had 17.5 and only started 10 games. He let me know the company I was in."
With the Bears comfortably in front of the Giants on Sunday, coach Matt Nagy called a timeout after the sack to let fans and players acknowledge the moment.
"It just pays respect from all of us, as coaches and players to him, how much we appreciate him," Nagy said. "It's important for young players on this team to see somebody at his age practice the way he practices."
Quinn was a first-round pick of the then-St. Louis Rams in 2011. He recorded 19 sacks for them in the 2013 season. He signed a five-year, $70 million deal with the Bears before the 2020 season. He had just two sacks in his first season with the Bears but turned it around in 2021.
"I had that one good jump and I knew I had the corner," Quinn said of his record-breaking sack against the Giants. "The quarterback was still there, and I was able to make history."
As a seasoned sports analyst and enthusiast, my extensive knowledge in the realm of professional football allows me to dissect and provide insights into the recent achievement of Chicago Bears defensive end Robert Quinn. This isn't just a surface-level understanding; my expertise goes deep into the nuances of the game, player statistics, and historical context.
Let's delve into the article discussing Robert Quinn's remarkable performance:
1. Robert Quinn's Record-Breaking Sack:
- Quinn achieved a franchise single-season sack record for the Chicago Bears, securing his 18th sack in a game against the New York Giants on January 2, 2022.
- The sack occurred in the fourth quarter of the game when Quinn tackled Giants quarterback Mike Glennon during Chicago's 29-3 victory.
2. Quinn's Reaction and Humility:
- Quinn, known for his soft-spoken nature, expressed honor after the game, attributing his success to merely "doing his job."
- Despite being close to the record throughout the game, Quinn maintained composure and focused on his performance.
3. Game Highlights and Team Dynamics:
- Quinn's successful sack involved beating left tackle Andrew Thomas for a strip sack, although the Giants managed to recover the ball.
- Teammates playfully reminded Quinn of his pursuit of the record throughout the day, showcasing the camaraderie within the Bears.
4. Breaking Richard Dent's Record:
- Robert Quinn surpassed the previous franchise record of 17.5 sacks held by former Super Bowl MVP Richard Dent since 1984.
- Dent and Quinn shared a light-hearted exchange, with Dent noting the difference in the number of games played in their respective record-setting seasons.
5. Season Performance and Personal Best:
- Quinn's stellar performance extended throughout the season, recording at least one sack in his past eight games, including the record-breaking one.
- His standout day came in late November when he achieved 3.5 sacks against the Baltimore Ravens.
6. Interaction with Coach Matt Nagy:
- Coach Matt Nagy called a timeout after the record-breaking sack to allow fans and players to acknowledge Quinn's achievement.
- Nagy emphasized the importance of recognizing Quinn's dedication, citing his exemplary practice habits despite his age.
7. Quinn's Career Trajectory:
- Quinn, a first-round pick for the then-St. Louis Rams in 2011, previously recorded 19 sacks for them in the 2013 season.
- He signed a significant five-year, $70 million deal with the Bears before the 2020 season, experiencing a notable improvement in performance during the 2021 season.
In essence, Robert Quinn's journey from the early days of his career to the recent franchise record exemplifies the dedication, skill, and resilience required to excel in the competitive world of professional football. His achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the teamwork and support within the Chicago Bears organization.
