Chicago Bears beat the Arizona Cardinals: Defensive grades
Defensive Line: A
With Akiem Hicks getting the night off, last night was a chance for several men along the defensive line to make a mark. And they didn’t miss the opportunity.
From their first series of the game, the Chicago Bears defensive line thoroughly owned the line of scrimmage.
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Eddie Goldman, healthy at last, consistently manhandled people in the middle of the defense. His ability to consistently occupy centers and guards made the two-gap system work to perfection. Interestingly, though, it wasn’t even just the linebackers coming up to fill on runs. His fellow defensive linemen brought plenty of guys down on their own too.
Chief among his teammates that balled out: Jonathan Bullard. Getting snaps in Hicks’ and Mitch Unrein’s absences, Bullard destroyed any and all blockers in his way. The lightning first step that enticed teams about him in last year’s draft was on full display yesterday. And so was his improved size and strength.
Jonathan Bullard again shoots the gap and blows up the running play. No chance. #Bears pic.twitter.com/W3x3AKzRdF
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) August 20, 2017
Then, when the reserves got into the game, it was the Roy Robertson-Harris Show.
At one point in the third quarter, Robertson-Harris basically ended a Cardinals possession by himself with two straight sacks. Transitioning from outside linebacker to defensive end, he looked right at home. His monster athleticism and high motor showed through on those sacks and in backside pursuit in the run game.
Roy Robertson-Harris had himself a night. Great job to stay with pursuit and get the sack. #Bears pic.twitter.com/E9YgAmSqR1
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) August 20, 2017
A few weeks ago, I tabbed Robertson-Harris as one of my picks who could turn heads in training camp. Is everyone’s head turning yet? I know he got my attention.
Even more than that, just imagine what a productive, active Robertson-Harris could do for this defensive line depth. It’s looking more and more like the Chicago Bears could be on the cusp of becoming a top-ten unit again. And it starts up front.