Chicago Bears Week 11: Rookie Report
On the whole, it was an ugly win for the Bears last Sunday, but the rookies played probably their best game of the season collectively. I’ll break down the individual efforts below:
Kyle Long RG: Probably had the quietest day of all the rookies despite playing every snap on offense. Long didn’t do anything wrong on the day, no sacks allowed or penalties, except giving up 2 QB hurries which in pretty solid over 35 pass attempts. Long didn’t really do anything great either, as I didn’t see any plays that were clear wins in the run blocking game, just kind of held his ground instead of driving defenders off the line of scrimmage as I’m getting used to seeing from Long. All in all, a mediocre day which from a rookie starter is acceptable.
Jordan Mills RT: Whew. I was getting sick of ripping Mills in this column every week. Mills had earned a negative grade from PFF every game this season except week 1, but he turned things around Sunday against the Ravens and allowed only 1 hit on McCown all day (3 hurries) for a +.9 grade. Mills was also effective in the run game; Forte averaged 6.8 YPC when running off RT on Sunday. It was a promising game from Mills and hopefully the start of a strong finish to the season.
Jon Bostic MLB: Another solid game for Bostic. His pass coverage is improving every week; He had a crucial interception on a pass over the middle that led to a Bears field goal right at the end of the first half. Bostic almost had another big play in coverage on the Ravens second touchdown, but was a step away from breaking up the pass. He’ll get to those with experience. It wasn’t his best game against the run, he took a few questionable angles and got caught in blocks too often, but did have 5 tackles on the day (3 stops). Bostic is starting to show flashes of the play-maker we saw in the pre-season and looking like he’s could be a fixture at MLB for years to come.
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David Bass DE: I was ready to give up on Bass after his performance in his first start of the season vs Detroit, but Bass bounced back in a big way Sunday. The pass deflection/ pick 6 was obviously his best play of the game, but he was solid against the run as well with 2 stops near the line of scrimmage. Bass put himself in the mix for the starting RE spot even when Shea McClellin is healthy.
Khaseem Greene OLB: The Bears nickel defense was on the field most of the game, so Greene only played 16 snaps. He played well when on the field though recording 3 tackles (2 stops). Like Bass, Greene played poorly against Detroit in week 10, but bounced back with a solid game Sunday.
Marquees Wilson WR: Only got 3 snaps on offense Sunday and zero targets. I still think Wilson is going to make an impact before the end of the year, but most games this year have been so close that Trestman is going with a veteran heavy lineup. Everything I read from the coaching staff has been positive on Wilson lately, so it’s just a matter of time till he gets some targets.
Twitter: @MikeFlannery_