Nobody, not even Robert Quinn can say that his 2020 season with the Chicago Bears was up to his standards. Considering how rough of a year it was, it was fair for him to receive criticism. Quinn signed a big deal and in his first year, he did not deliver.
However, for how poor Quinn was in 2020, it was fair to say that there may be more out there from Quinn in 2021. Still, it was easy for many, including me, to say that Quinn got a big deal, he is now older, and it is unlikely for him to live up to his deal. However, through four games of 2021, it is looking like Quinn is proving everybody wrong, as he has been excellent.
Quinn has recorded a partial sack in every game and may have had his best game in a win against the Lions. Quinn had a strip that led to Chicago getting the ball. He had a huge run-stuff as well.
One of the biggest questions with Quinn entering this year was whether he could make an impact in the running game because he was non-existent there last season. He has been much improved, and much more present in that area.
Beyond that, Quinn has just been more consistent in causing pressure, another area where he struggled last season.
It is fair for us to consider that 2020 was a bad year for many, and Quinn was one of those. Beyond his injury issues, which many pointed to, we do not know the protocols and life-changing events that have affected people. Quinn looks healthier, but even on the field looks like a different player altogether. 2020 was a tough year for many, and Quinn was another, which makes it easier to forgive that year and embrace his new look in 2021.
It is early, but the first four games of Quinn’s 2021 are the best four games he has played with Chicago. They are performances reminiscent of why the team signed him. If he can keep this up, it will be a huge impact on the defensive perception.