Chicago Bears beat Tennessee Titans: Defensive grades
Secondary: B
With Mariota under duress and throwing very poorly all game, the secondary didn’t experience a big test for the most part. But they still had a solid day on the whole.
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Kyle Fuller especially looks like he’s ready not only to make the team but potentially to start at corner. So far, he has done a great job of keeping plays in front of him, and he has tackled extremely well. He hasn’t gotten his hands on any footballs, but he’s shown solid instincts in breaking on routes. With his confident play, it seems that the questions about his status have been answered for now.
Additionally, Quintin Demps continued showing, in large part, that he does more than just intercept passes. On one play, he annihilated a screen by dipping under a block and smoking the receiver for a loss. On another, he tripped up Henry on a third-down pass in the open field, which led to a missed field goal.
However, there were a few tough plays that the secondary would love to get back.
Demps accidentally blew up what would have been a fourth-down stop by Floyd, knocking him off course. Henry ended up running for a first down on the play. Then later, Demps, Eddie Jackson and LeBlanc all failed on a 3rd and 31 play to bring down Taywan Taylor, giving up an improbable first down.
That simply cannot happen.
When you need a big play, call up @SilentGrind2!
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) August 27, 2017
Mariota to Taylor for 48 yards and a #Titans first down! #CHIvsTEN pic.twitter.com/lvcwvxuZGs
LeBlanc got beat downfield on that play and a few others as well, struggling on the day. He did have a pass defended, but it was wiped out due to a penalty on the Bears. He should still make the team, but he has to be better than that if Bryce Callahan is going to struggle to stay on the field.
Next: Quarterbacks flash in Bears win over Titans
Mariota found more of a groove later in the game against the reserves, but that hardly matters. The important thing is that, for the most part, the secondary played alright for the Bears. If they can just do that all season, the Chicago Bears will be in great shape.