Chicago Bears Week 14: Rookie Report

The Bears offense played their best game of the season Monday night and the rookies on the O-line were a big reason. The defense struggled again and the rookies played a big part in that as well. Here is a breakdown of how the Bears rookies played in the Bears 45-28 win over the Cowboys Monday night.

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Kyle Long RG: After a couple of sub-par weeks, Long bounced back with his best game of the season Monday night. He had the highest run blocking grade (2.6), a solid pass blocking grade (1.1), and the 3rd highest overall grade on the offense (Marshall, Slausen). I was a little worried that Long was wearing down this year after only starting 5 games in college last season, but Monday’s performance eased those concerns and hopefully is the start of a strong finish to Long’s rookie season.

Jordan Mills RT: That’s more like it. Mills played his best game since week 1 and earned his highest grade of the season from PFF (3.9). He was solid in pass protection though he did allow the Cowboys only sack. Besides the sack, Mills only gave up 1 QB hurry which is a considerable improvement considering he is averaging over 4 hurries allowed per game. As usual, he was better in run blocking and the Bears picked up 60 yards rushing (6 YPC) on runs off or outside Mills’ RT spot. Hopefully Mills can build on this game and finish strong enough to solidify his starting role for next year.

Jon Bostic MLB: Played his worst game as a pro on Monday. He missed 3 tackles and was consistently caught up in blocks and driven a few yards off the line of scrimmage. Shedding blocks has been Bostic’s biggest weakness so far and will need to be addressed in the off-season if he is going to make an impact at MLB for the Bears. On the bright side, he did get two hurries on Romo and didn’t give up any catches in pass coverage.

Khaseem Greene OLB: Also played his worst game as a Bear which is saying something after how bad he was during the Rams debacle. Like Bostic, Greene has struggled to shed blocks but is also getting dominated physically and consistently moved away from the play by opposing blockers. Green will need to get stronger if he is going to compete for a starting spot next year.

Marquees Wilson WR: Only played 1 snap and it was a running play. Earl Bennett managed to catch two balls without falling down afterwards, so Wilson is probably stuck on the bench for the time being unless Bennett gets hurt.

Michael Ford RB: Was active but only played on special teams and didn’t make an impact.

* All grades courtesy of Pro Football Focus

Twitter: @MikeFlannery_