Chicago Bears Week 16: Rookie Report
It was an ugly game all around for the Bears and the rookies were no exception. To a man, the rookies all played poorly and took a major step back after showing signs of improvement the last few weeks.
Kyle Long RG: For the most part it’s been a good year for the first round pick out of Oregon, but he has had three very bad games and Sunday night was one of them (@DET, STL other two). Long was OK in pass pro only giving up 1 hit on Cutler, but he really struggled in run blocking which is usually a strength. This is actually the 2nd week in a row that Long has done a sub-par job opening holes for Forte, so it’s possible he could be wearing down. Long never played this many games in one season at the college level, so it’s a definite possibility. Let’s hope he’s got a couple good games left in the tank.
Jordan Mills RT: So much for his two game hot streak. Mills had a brutal stretch from week 2-13, but played really week the last two weeks. He was back to mid-season form in this one, completely failing in pass pro and not having much success in run blocking either. I think Mills needs a big game this Sunday and possibly in the playoffs to solidify his job next year. He’s done an admirable job for a 5th round rookie, but the Bears need more consistent play at RT next year. I hope Mills is the guy, but he’ll have to show something for as long as the Bears season lasts.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jon Bostic MLB: On a positive note, Bostic wasn’t the worst Bears LB on Sunday night. He made a couple nice stops in the running game, but still struggled to shed blocks and too often was making tackles down-field after the Eagles had gained significant yardage. He’s been solid in pass coverage this year which was considered a weakness coming in to the season, but will need to do a better job of losing blockers next year so he can make plays with his athleticism.
David Bass DE: My support of Bass and pleas for more defensive snaps seem pretty silly now. Bass played 32 of the Bears 65 defensive snaps and was completely over-matched out there. He had 1 hurry on Foles and did make two tackles, but missed three and was routinely out of position on runs to the outside. He wasn’t any worse than Shea McClellin, but didn’t show enough to prove he should be taking McClellin’s place any time soon either. The Bears need help at DE and finding it should be a priority in the off-season.
Khaseem Greene OLB: With Lance Briggs back, Greene only played 3 defensive snaps and failed to record any stats.
Michael Ford RB: Had a 7 yard kick return after some special teams trickery, but besides that had little impact and didn’t play any offensive snaps.
Marquees Wilson WR: DNP
Twitter: @MikeFlannery_