The Roquan Smith breakout season is very real, and it continued on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, albeit in a 24-17 losing effort.
Smith set the standard for Chicago’s defense, logging an 87.2 grade from Pro Football Focus, the highest among all Bears defenders.
Khalil Mack was second with an 83.3.
Smith had a quality all-around game, scoring a 73.7 or higher in all major categories graded by PFF: tackling, run defense, pass rush, and coverage.
Sunday’s grade was Smith’s best of 2020. His previous season-high came in Week 6 against the Panthers (82.9).
Smith was a big reason why the Bears managed to contain Titans running back Derrick Henry to just 68 yards on 21 carries. He led the team with 11 tackles including two tackles for loss and one sack.
Smith now leads the NFL with 62 solo tackles and ranks fourth in total tackles with 82.
The Bears will face a stiff challenge in Week 10’s Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings and running back Dalvin Cook, who just torched the Detroit Lions defense for 206 rushing yards. It’ll be a busy night for Smith, who can launch himself into superstardom in front of a national audience.