The Chicago Bears interior offensive line was devastated by DeFoest Buckner
It is unfortunate when your worst fears come true. Previewing the Chicago Bears game against the Indianapolis Colts, it was almost impossible to get the image of DeForest Buckner blowing things up out of my head. Grady Jarrett presented the Chicago Bears their first true test of the season and the interior struggled.
It was easily brushed off by the idea that the Chicago Bears came back and won. However, it lingered that a fast, physical, and dominant defensive tackle made life tough for James Daniels and Germain Ifedi.
Jarrett is excellent, and this is no disrespect to him, but Buckner is a different beast. It starts physically, where he has the size of only a player such as Calais Campbell. However, according to PFF, no defensive lineman has been as dominant as Buckner with over 100 snaps played this season.
We noted that Buckner moved around to each side, and he did not spare James Daniels or Germain Ifedi from having their hands full.
Look at the size as he swims over James Daniels, who looks tiny in the presence of Buckner.
This play is even more impressive. We have noted that Germain Ifedi has excelled in the Chicago Bears new scheme due to his athleticism. The Bears have got him moving laterally, and he has done well in space.
The Bears tried to get Ifedi moving Buckner laterally and it went poorly. Buckner pushes Ifedi off, regains composure to read the play, and then shoves Ifedi aside to make the play.
Making this play while running laterally and making it as he was backing up away from the football is impressive.
According to PFF Buckner finished with five total pressures and three quarterback hits. The rest of the offensive line had their hands full, and overall, they just could not handle Buckner. That trade is starting to look like it is working out for the Indianapolis Colts.