Should the Chicago Bears bench Buster Skrine?
With Kyle Fuller and the emerging Jaylon Johnson on the outside, it is understandable that teams have been attacking Buster Skrine when taking on the Chicago Bears defense. In recent weeks, big names such as Robby Anderson, A.J. Brown, and Adam Thielen have moved into the slot to take on Buster Skrine.
While Davante Adams was limited to just 61 yards receiving, and only 16 came against Skrine, it was worth noting that Adams lined up in the slot 20 times, a slight uptick from his career average. Still, while it was not Adams going at Skrine, the Packers still found their ways to attack him.
In total Skrine was targeted 10 times by the Packers according to PFF. In comparison, Jaylon Johnson was targeted five times, and Kyle Fuller just four for nine combined targets.
It is clear that a smart quarterback such as Aaron Rodgers knew where to go when he needed to pick up yards, and that was Buster Skrine.
Skrine only allowed 58 yards in coverage, but three first downs. With that total, Skrine now leads in the NFL in yards allowed from the slot.
1. Buster Skrine – 463
2. Taron Johnson – 462
3. Sean Murphy-Bunting – 399
4. Jonathan Jones – 374
5. Jeff Gladney – 364
Skrine also ranks 4th in yards allowed per snap from the slot, and fourth in targets per snap, and third in snaps per reception. Fortunately, he is ninth in yards after the catch.
Nonetheless, teams are targeting Skrine more aggressively than other teams. Part of this is because of Fuller and Johnson but beyond that, teams are recognizing that he is a weakness in himself.
While the big shakeups should come on offense, the Chicago Bears might as well move on from Buster Skrine. They drafted Duke Shelley and Kindle Vildor when they likely should have drafted offensive lineman. They might as well see what they have in these cornerbacks since they coveted them so much.