Chicago Bears: Where do the Bears rank statistically heading into Week 6?

Individual statistics and rankings to take note of for the Chicago Bears

This last section is exclusively devoted to some noteworthy statistics that individual Chicago Bears deserve attention for.

One statistic that captured intrigue was just how starkly different Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles’ circumstances have been. Per NFL’s Next Gen stats, Mitchell Trubisky had 2.90 seconds to throw the ball, the No. 9 mark in the league. Foles had just 2.4.

Even so, the Bears own the two most aggressive passers in the league, in terms of tight-coverage. Trubisky ranked No. 2 in intended air yards (10.2), and Foles averaged 8.4 intended air yards. In a way, it makes one appreciate both what Trubisky brought to the table, and the receivers making these catches. Especially Allen Robinson.

The Bears have employed a philosophy in which they are simply not relying on skill-position players to rack up yards after the catch. Instead, they’re working the sticks and utilizing arm strength. As it gets colder, it’ll be interesting to see if that strategy holds up.

Speaking of Robinson, no receiver in the NFL has generated more targets than him, with 57. Next-Gen statistics don’t quantify how many of them have been catchable. He’s had his fair share of throws launched beyond him, even at 6-foot-3. But you know what I think he would catch?

A contract.

To add to that, the receivers aren’t generating a ton of air space. Only three tight ends — Logan Thomas, Jordan Reed, and Mike Geisecki — get fewer yards of separation pre-catch than Jimmy Graham, and Allen Robinson ranks among the bottom (top?) ten in yards of separation.

Moving down the line, it was interesting to note a bit more about David Montgomery. His rushing numbers haven’t been gaudy, but he’s made up for it in all-purpose numbers. Interestingly enough, he’s seen fewer loaded-box runs than all but four running backs league-wide. This could suggest that defenses are respecting the pass. Either that or they simply know the Bears just aren’t going to run.

Here’s one that stands out defensively. Per PFF, no cornerback in the NFL has had more press coverage reps than rookie Jaylon Johnson (89). He also owns the No. 2 spot in pass breakups.

The Athletic‘s Adam Jahns made note of how sensational Roquan Smith has been this year. He ranks among the top-five in tackles for a loss and passes defended among linebackers. He’s also averaging 8.2 tackles per game, all while his greatest strengths have likely been sacrificed since the Bears’ defensive line lost some of its beef.

And speaking of PFF, if their numbers hold any weight in award discussions, Khalil Mack could be on his way towards Defensive Player of the Year contention. No edge defender has been better as a run defender (88.1 run defensive grade), and only Myles Garrett has been better as a push rusher. He’s also been elite in the 15 instances in which he’s dropped into coverage. He’s had an interception opportunity or two over that span, too. Speaking of dropped …

Jokes aside, times are exciting for this Bears group. There’s a real-world in which the Bears enter November’s game against the Titans at 7-1, if they defeat the teams they have a better record than. Five weeks in, they’re a difficult case study. Tomorrow afternoon grants us another chance to learn a little bit more about this group.