Bears Positional Grades after loss to Jets |
A week after dropping another high-scoring affair against Atlanta, the Bears went challenged with taking on the New and Improved New York Jets without Justin Fields. The Bears dropped the contest in New Jersey to the Jets, 31-10.
So let’s take a look and give out some grades based on the performances by position after the loss to the Jets. Quarterback D+ Trevor Siemian was the QB slated under center for the Bears with Justin Fields sidelined. Despite rumblings pregame that it would actually be Nathan Peterman getting his first start since 2018, it was the former Northwestern Wildcat who was tagged in. Siemian struggled, completing 14/25 passes for 179 yards, and he also threw one touchdown and one pick. Where Fields adds an element to the Bears' offense with his legs, Siemian did not do, tallying just eight yards rushing. But, you can not judge the Bears too harshly, as this is not your QB1. Running backs B+ David Montgomery was okay on the ground, carrying the ball 14 times for 79 yards. He also caught three passes for 34 yards. Khalil Herbert was out with injury, so it was Darrynton Evans who spelled Montgomery with nine carries for 34 yards, while also catching a 33-yard pass. The Bears will hope to keep the running game involved as the season continues, as they are the NFL’s No. 1 rush offense. Wide Receivers D The passing game was fairly active, and third-year wideout Darnell Mooney injured himself and is believed to be out for the season with an ankle injury. Newly acquired Chase Claypool had just two catches for 51 yards. Equanamius St. Brown had a catch for seven yards, Dante Pettis had one catch for 12 yards, Trevon Wesco had a catch for three yards, and Byron Pringle caught two passes for 12 yards and the Bears' only TD. Velus Jones Jr. also had a carry. The Bears certainly have improved here but have much more work to do. Tight Ends C+ This unit certainly has talent with Cole Kmet and Ryan Griffin, but they have not been that active. Cole Kmet led the Bears with three catches for 27 yards. Offensive Line C+ The offensive line was not that bad, but they did allow two sacks of quarterback Trevor Siemian. They need to do a better job of keeping QBs upright, but they made up for it in the run game, opening holes for Montgomery all game long. Defensive Line D The defensive line was not good. The D-line allowed big play after big play in the run game, and did not muster up nearly enough pressure on Mike White, Armon Watts had a sack, and that was it from this unit. Linebackers C- Roquan Smith has been traded to Baltimore, Robert Quinn is now an Eagle, and this unit is depleted. They sure looked like it on Sunday. However, Jack Sanborn did come away with 14 tackles to save this unit. Secondary D This unit was not great on Sunday. Eddie Jackson suffered what appeared to be a very serious injury on his foot, and the Bears were shredded for 315 passing yards. Special Teams D Kicker Cairo Santos made one extra point and a field goal. Trenton Gill nailed zero of his five punts inside the 20. Playcalling D The playcalling was hard to judge without Justin Fields under center for the Bears, but they struggled offensively without a doubt. Nonetheless, week 12 is in the books, and the Bears are now season 3-9. Next on the schedule is the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
