Report Card: Bears Position Grades after win over Panthers |
The Bears got back on track this past week against the Panthers in an ugly 16-13 win that benefitted their draft stock since they hold the Panthers' first-round pick.
Here are the Bears grades for the game: QUARTERBACK C+ Justin Fields was out for the Bears, and Tyson Bagent led the way under center for the fourth straight week. The rookie was not as good as his debut. He was 20-of-33 and did not throw a touchdown or an interception. He also rushed six times for 12 yards. He has so far performed admirably in Fields’ absence, but there is clearly no QB debate to be had. RUNNING BACKS B Khalil Herbert is on injured reserve and should be making his return soon, and rookie Roschon Johnson made his return from a concussion. But it was former Panther D’onte Foreman (who had been a healthy scratch) who led the way with 21 carries and 80 yards, plus the game-winning touchdown. He also had a pair of catches. Johnson had five carries and four catches for a combined 32 yards. Newly acquired Darrynton Evans carried twice. The Bears were the league’s top rushing offense a year ago. Expect them to involve this unit continually, and it should also open up the passing game. RECEIVERS C+ This unit was supposed to take one of the largest steps from last season to this one, and it took another step back on Sunday. Chase Claypool was traded to Miami, but DJ Moore had five catches for 58 yards, five weeks after the best game of his career with eight catches for 230 yards and a 3 TDs. Darnell Mooney just two catches after his five-catch, 82-yard performance last week. Tyler Scott had two touches (one carry, one catch) for 31 yards. Velus Jones Jr. was a healthy scratch. Equanimous St. brown caught one pass. DJ Moore also had a carry. This group needs to continue to be better in the coming weeks. TIGHT ENDS B+ It was highlighted by the newly paid Cole Kmet, this group was solid. Kmet had five catches for 45 yards, and Robert Tonyan was quiet. OFFENSIVE LINE A Similarly to last season’s debauchery, the offensive line has been a weakness. However, they were really good on Thursday night. Bagent was not sacked once, and the run game was effective. It was their best game of the season. A good Bears season is dependent on this group improving. DEFENSIVE LINE A The defensive line was much better in stopping the run, and they turned in their best effort in QB pressure we’ve seen all year. It was just the Bears’ third multi-sack game, as Justin Jones, Yannick Ngakoue, and Rasheem Green sacked the No. 1 pick Bryce Young. Montez Sweat was active as well. LINEBACKERS C+ No Roquan Smith headlining this group, but they are still the defense’s strengths. New additions T. J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds have been the bread and butter thus far, but Edmunds was out. Instead, it was Edwards and Jack Sanborn combining for 19 tackles. They will remain the base of this Bears defense that needs to improve. SECONDARY A The Bears were finally with Kyler Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, Eddie Jackson, and Jaquan Brisker, and they turned in a stellar effort. Johnson was good, as usual. Gordon looked like a rising star, and suddenly, this secondary looked like a strength. SPECIAL TEAMS B Cairo Santos was 1/1 on PATS and 3-of-3 on field goals, and Trenton Gill got three of his six punts inside the 20. The return game was quiet. PLAY CALLING C The 10th game of the second season of the Matt Eberflus era was much better from the play-calling department. According to a newly released metric, the Bears' play calling has been the worst in the NFL — which has been no surprise to those who watch this team week in and week out. Last week, they were less timid with Bagent under center, and I think this aggression is something to monitor upon Fields’ return. They are finally starting to trust the ground game, which is essential — but I would still like to see the Bears take more shots down the field. The Bears play the Lions on ten days of rest and look to win back-to-back games for the first time all season.
