Tag: Bears PFF grades

Bears PFF grades: Best and worst performers, by position, through first 9 weeks

Here’s a look at how Bears players have graded out with PFF through the first nine weeks of the 2021 season.

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of a much-needed bye week, where they’re sitting at 3-6 through the first half of their season after losing the last four games. While they’re not contenders this year, rookie quarterback Justin Fields is doing a good job giving a purpose for the remainder of the season.

Pro Football Focus handed out player grades for those who took a snap during the first nine games this season, and we broke them down by offense and defense, analyzing the players by position.

Here’s a look at how these players have graded out through the first nine weeks:

Bears’ Justin Fields was PFF’s highest-graded QB in Week 9

Bears rookie Justin Fields had his breakout game against the Steelers, which earned him top honors at PFF.

When the Bears made the decision to roll with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback, the expectation was that there were going to be typical rookie growing pains while the young QB learned on the job.

And that’s certainly been the case, as evidenced by some pretty unimpressive box scores. But beyond that, Fields has shown progress each and every week. And it was his seventh NFL start that served as his breakout game.

Fields was impressive in a hostile environment on a prime-time stage in Monday’s loss to the Steelers, where he showcased his special skillet, including his ball placement, mobility and his poise in big moments against one of the NFL’s best defenses.

Fields completed seven passes of 15-plus yards, including some clutch throws on what was almost the Bears’ game-winning drive with less than three minutes in the game.

Fields was also Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded quarterback in Week 9 with a 90.5 grade. He received a 88.5 passing grade and 71.2 rushing grade.

Here’s what PFF had to say about Fields’ Week 9 outing:

For the first time this season, the Bears’ offense ran up against a defense that was capable of causing it huge problems. And yet, Fields actually excelled rather than being dragged down by the circumstances. He completed 17 of his 29 attempts for 291 yards, and most of his best throws came late in the game with the team needing to make plays to stay alive. Fields averaged 10.9 yards per attempt when kept clean and showed some outstanding accuracy on his completions. It’s been a rollercoaster so far for the rookie passer, but this was an encouraging outing.

The Bears have lost four straight games, but it’s hard to ignore the optimism radiating from the fans given Fields’ development. After all, that’s the most important thing this season.

While Chicago will certainly benefit from the bye this week, it’s also bittersweet knowing Fields won’t be able to immediately build off the best game of his young career.

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Bears PFF grades: Best and worst performers in Week 9 loss vs. Steelers

Here’s a look at how PFF graded the Bears offense and defense in their loss to the Steelers.

The Chicago Bears lost their fourth straight game with a 29-27 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Justin Fields took a monumental step forward in his development and the officiating crew is coming under fire for a brutal outing.

Pro Football Focus handed out player grades for those who took a snap in the Bears’ win, and we broke them down by offense and defense, analyzing the three highest- and lowest-graded players on each side.

There were a few surprises in terms of the highest- and lowest-graded players, both on offense and defense.

Bears QB Justin Fields named PFF’s Rookie of Week 8

There was plenty to love about Justin Fields’ performance in Week 8.

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The start to Bears quarterback Justin Fields’ rookie season hasn’t gone the way many expected or would’ve hoped. It’s been full of expected rookie bumps and some other struggles brought on by Matt Nagy and co.

But Fields finally had his mini-breakout game Sunday against the 49ers, where he was poised, confident and decisive whether he was throwing or running. Fields’ special skillset was on display, and it’s hard not to walk away from that 49ers game excited about Fields’ future.

Fields was named Pro Football Focus’ Rookie of Week 8, where he garnered a 76.7 grade. He had an 85.6 run game grade and a 65.7 passing grade.

Fields totaled 278 yards against the 49ers defense. He completed 70 percent of his passes for 175 yards with a touchdown and late-game interception that went off Darnell Mooney’s hands. Fields also had 103 yards on 10 carries, becoming the first Bears quarterback to rush for 100 yards since Bobby Douglass in 1973.

It’s hardly a coincidence that Fields’ best performance to date — and the offense’s progress — came with head coach Matt Nagy watching the game from home as he recovers from COVID-19. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor called a game that catered to Fields’ strengths, which included designed quarterback rollouts, designed runs and plenty of play action.

It’ll be interesting to see whether that continues next Monday night against the Steelers, where Nagy likely will return to the sideline.

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Bears PFF grades: Best and worst performers in Week 7 loss vs. Bucs

Here’s a look at how PFF graded the Bears offense and defense in their loss to the Bucs.

The Chicago Bears suffered an embarrassing defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, where Chicago was blown out in a 35-point loss. The offense continues to get worse under Matt Nagy, where they managed just 3 points.

Pro Football Focus handed out player grades for those who took a snap in the Bears’ win, and we broke them down by offense and defense, analyzing the three highest- and lowest-graded players on each side.

There were a few surprises in terms of the highest- and lowest-graded players, both on offense and defense.