Robert Quinn flashes in Chicago Bears debut despite rotational role
Robert Quinn playing for the Chicago Bears for the first time was satisfying
The emergence of Robert Quinn in the lineup was much anticipated. Fortunately for Chicago Bears fans, it did not take long to get accustomed to what he brings to the table. On the first third down chance he got, he breezed around the Giants tackle and forced a fumble that fell into Khalil Mack.
This is everything the Chicago Bears were paying Quinn for. Leonard Floyd could not produce on obvious passing downs the way that Quinn can.
Of course, there were pros to Floyd as well. Floyd was much better in space, in coverage, and against the run than Quinn. The way to look at Quinn is as a hired gun. His job is to hunt quarterbacks and nothing else. Asking him to do more is stretching his purpose.
With that in mind, the Chicago Bears decided to ease Quinn back into the defense with a rotation at outside linebacker.
Quinn played 25 snaps, while Barkevious Mingo played 27 snaps.
We may see the split shrink, but this is a split that may not go away anytime soon. Quinn is going to be on the field for every big time pass rushing snap. Every third and long you will see Quinn. However, on run stuffing downs, or downs when the Bears want to drop extra men into coverage, you may not see Quinn. He is not good in these areas, and it is not what the Bears are paying him for.
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Still, the Bears do need a linebacker who be versatile, and can stop the run. This is where Mingo comes in. The split in time may be easing Quinn back in. It very well could be a sign of things to come as well. Do not be surprised if the Bears keep Quinn parked in the garage and only let him out when it is time to race. Do not be surprised if Mingo continues to be an early down contributor for Chicago this year.