Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2016 8:37:28 GMT -6
What we've learned about the Bears linebackers at the bye
By: Lorin Cox | 3 hours ago
The Chicago Bears are on their bye week at the halfway point of the 2016 season, providing a perfect time to look back at what we’ve learned about each position group on the team through eight games.
The linebacker position was completely revamped this offseason by Ryan Pace, bringing in two stud free agents on the inside and using a first-round pick to bolster the outside. So far, the new faces have been a welcomed sight in Chicago.
Here’s what we’ve learned about the linebackers.
Jerrell Freeman is the Bears mid-season MVP
Inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) has been the Chicago Bears' most consistent player and an absolute monster against the run (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
No player on the Bears has played as consistently at such a high level as Jerrell Freeman. He is undoubtedly their most valuable player from the first half of the season, earning the highest grade among all linebackers in the NFL from Pro Football Focus. It was an absolute steal for Pace to sign him for only $4 million a year.
Danny Trevathan underwhelmed in Freeman’s shadow
Inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) has been overshadowed by Jerrell Freeman, but he has still found ways to make some plays (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
Danny Trevathan was the higher-profile free-agent signing this offseason as a younger player who earned a bigger and longer contract, but he has been largely overshadowed by Freeman’s dominance. Trevathan has been a solid linebacker, but he hasn’t been able to make nearly as many big plays as his fellow starter.
The Leonard Floyd project is coming along nicely
The growth in rookie outside linebacker Leonard Floyd's game has been evident as the season has gone on (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
The Bears knew Leonard Floyd was a raw prospect when they drafted him in the first round this year, and he showed that to begin the year before starting to hit a groove in recent weeks. His freakish athletic ability and motor have been evident, and as he continues to add to his pass-rushing repertoire, he should become a bigger and bigger part of this defense.
Sam Acho is not a starting-caliber outside linebacker
Outside linebacker Sam Acho (49) has not been an effective pass-rusher this season (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
With Pernell McPhee and Lamarr Houston out and Floyd in-and-out of the lineup, Sam Acho took over as the starter opposite Young, and he was largely ineffective. Acho offered very little as a pass-rusher and struggled to make plays against the run, and now that the team is healthier, his role has started to decrease to a rotational player only.
Willie Young is showing no signs of slowing down
Veteran outside linebacker Willie Young (97) is playing some of the best football of his seven-year NFL career (GIF via NFL Game Pass).
“The Fisherman” Willie Young is the oldest Bears outside linebacker at age 31, but he has been their most consistent pass-rusher, leading the team with six sacks. He has also made plenty of big plays in run defense, holding down the edge and redirecting running backs to his teammates. Young is playing some of the best football his career, in year seven in the league.
