Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Defensive grades

Linebackers: A-

This linebacking corps still could really use an emergent Leonard Floyd right about now. Can you imagine what this front seven would look like if he finally starts to dominate?

Of course, what week like Green Bay Packers week to cure what ails him? After all, that’s when he started jumping off last season, with two sacks (including a strip-sack and touchdown) of Aaron Rodgers. But that whole 10+ sacks sort of performance would be a very welcome addition to this defense.

That and not leaping wildly through the air and missing when you get a clean shot.

As it is, look at what the linebackers did even without him making a significant impact on the game. And look at what they just did without Jerrell Freeman or Nick Kwiatkoski.

Did anyone else see Pernell McPhee with that ferocious sack off the edge yesterday? That looks like the McPhee we’ve been waiting to see for about a year. If he can stave off his bad knees enough to take pressure off Floyd and Willie Young, this pass rush could get dangerous.

Also, how about Young sealing the Bears trip to overtime with the sack? That’s now two straight games with the quarterback takedown for him.

Heck, they even have John Timu playing non-disastrous football. That’s when you know you’re having a good day.

All in all, the linebackers did a tremendous job shadowing and bringing down the elusive Bell and a registered three of the Bears five quarterback hits.

And, again, all this has come without Leonard Floyd really being that effective as a pass-rusher right now.

If he starts getting on a mid-season sack binge like last year? Abandon all hope.