Inside the Numbers: Chicago Bears Week 1 Wrapup
Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) rushes the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko (94) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Chicago defeats Cincinnati 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
From ProFootball Focus (subscription required for the Premium Stats), you’d be surprised which Bears offensive lineman graded out the best. It was a rookie, but it wasn’t Kyle Long. Jordan Mills actually graded out tops on the O-line, with a 3.4 grade. Matt Slauson also ranked on the positive side of the ledger for the offensive line. Kyle Long and Jermon Bushrod graded out worst among Bears offensive linemen, both ending up with overall negative grades.
Jay Cutler was the Bears’ best offensive player according to the PFF grades, finishing the day with a 6.4 grade while Martellus Bennett, with a couple of drops and holding penalties had him ranked the worst offensive Bears player.
On the defensive side of the ball, Stephen Paea and James Anderson graded out tops among Bears defenders while stalwarts like Henry Melton, Major Wright, Julius Pepper and Corey Wootton – three of whom are in contract years – finished the day with negative grades.
Just remember, figures lie and liars figure. The numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they tell an important part of the story.
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