Chicago Bears Rookie Report – Week 5
It was an ugly week for most of the Bears and the rookies were no exception. It had been a great run so far for the Bears rookie O-linemen, but they struggled with the Lions D-line Sunday as both rookies committed their first penalties and played their worst overall game to date. Here are the grisly details:
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Long: A road match-up against Ndamakong Suh is a nightmare for anyone, much less a rookie playing in his 4th overall game. For the first time all year, Long was beat physically and technically as Suh was able to put constant pressure on Cutler and collected two sacks and a forced fumble. Long actually slowed Suh up for a few seconds on a both sacks, but Jay Cutler held the ball longer than he should have and Suh eventually got to him. Despite Suh’s gaudy stat line, Long didn’t embarrass himself and was able to at least make things difficult for Suh. I think it was a learning experience for Long in that he wasn’t able to overpower Suh physically and found his technique lacking a bit. Hopefully he will learn from the experience, improve his technique, and battle Suh to a draw in their week 10 rematch.
Jordan Mills: Mills had the easier matchup (Lions DEs Willie Young & Isreal Idonije) but didn’t fare nearly as well. He played decent in the first half despite committing his first of two penalties on the day (false start), but Mills fell apart in the 4th quarter as the Lions DEs were able to go after Cutler full-bore knowing the Bears were in pass only mode. Mills got beat repeatedly to the tune of 6 hurries and a holding penalty. Mills was given a (-5) grade by Pro Football Focus which is a far cry from the +3.4 grade Mills put up in week 1. I’m not ready to give up on Mills, but he seems to regressing a bit since his strong showing in the opener.
Jon Bostic: Bostic recorded a special teams tackle on the game ending onside kick. It looked like a bit of a cheap shot as Lions WR Kris Durham had already secured the ball and Bostic may be fined by the league. It was another week with no defensive reps for Bostic. At this point I think it would take a DJ Williams injury or an absolute blowout to get Bostic on the field on defense.
Kaseem Greene LB: Played on special teams but didn’t record a tackle.
Michael Ford RB: This was the first week Ford that was active and he played solely on special teams. Ford made an instant impact by recovering Devin Hester’s 1st quarter fumble, but then in the 2nd quarter missed a tackle on Lions return man Michael Spurlock that he ran back 57 yards to the Bears 22 yard line. Ford was the first man down on coverage and got his hands on Spurlock but couldn’t bring him down. It was good hustle by Ford to get there with the ball, since it was a poor line drive punt by Podlesh with little hang-time, but giving up 57 yards on a punt return hurts.
Reggie Bush (21)breaks a tackle from Chicago Bears defensive end Cornelius Washington (94) Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Cornelius Washington DE: Washington was on the field for at least one play as he missed a tackle on Reggie Bush right before the infamous hurdle over Major Wright (proof above). I’m not placing any blame on Washington as the whole defense was bad, but that was the only time I saw him on the field.
CJ Wilson CB: I was surprised to see Wilson active this week. It was the first time Wilson was active all season and he saw the field on special teams but didn’t record a tackle.
David Bass DE: Another surprise addition to the active roster that didn’t see much time on the field if any.
Inactives:
Joe Anderson WR – It was Anderson’s first inactive of the season and I think it had more to do with the Bears needing some extra DE depth then a reflection of Anderson’s ability.
Zach Minter DT – I thought Minter had a good chance to see the field in week 4 due to Henry Melton’s injury, but he was inactive like he’s been for every game this year. I still think he will get a chance to play this season unless new DT Landon Cohen makes an impact.
Marquess Wilson WR