49ers At Bears: Is Tracy Porter The Real Deal?
By Grizz.
The Revival of Tracy Porter
Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tracy Porter (21) makes an interception against Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the second half for a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. The Bears defeat the Packers 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Tracy Porter was a fringe player on the roster bubble coming into this season. Though he battled injuries through the preseason and OTA’s, the Bears kept him on their roster. In return, Porter has now performed at a pro bowl level.
Porter has a past history with Head Coach John Fox in Denver, and General Manager Ryan Pace in New Orleans. Porter was a second round selection by the New Orleans Saints in 2008, and later bounced around the league. Making one year pit stops in Denver, Oakland, and Washington. Porter has finally put it all back together in Chicago.
The performance that Porter put on during a prime time match up this past Thursday was nothing short of spectacular.
His stat line: 78 snaps (100%) / 1 Tackle / 1 Interception / 4 Pass Deflections.
An argument could be made that he should of had two interceptions this past Thursday, as the penalty called on Porter during his first interception of the game was questionable.
At just 29 years old, Porter has shown that he is back from injury and can perform at a high level. He should be a piece that is given a new contract this off-season, and should remain in the Bears plans moving into the next few years.
With the resurgence of both Kyle Fuller and Tracy Porter, the Bears look as if they have a formidable set of corners that will perform week in and week out.
Some may say that there is too much hype surronding Porter, and that his best performance came from against a struggling Green Bay wide receiver corps.
I disagree with that notion.
Outside of one blown coverage on Demaryius Thomas against the Denver Broncos, Porter has put together solid outings dating back to his matchup against Amari Cooper and the Oakland Raiders.
Since that game, Porter has 10 pass deflections, 19 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception.
The corner has played at a high level since becoming a starter in week four, and is earning himself a contract for next season.
I believe that Tracy Porter is the real deal. While he may not be Revis or Sherman, he is a starting caliber corner that makes the Bears a better football team.
Look for Porter to play a big role this Sunday against the 49ers and their two top wide receivers, Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.