Chicago Bears: 5 players who need a big game vs. Seahawks

Cornerback Kyle Fuller

The Bears paid up for cornerback Kyle Fuller after the Packers signed him to an offer sheet. On Sunday night, Green Bay made him look the fool. Fuller did not have his best night against the Packers. Once again using Pro Football Focus, here’s his coverage line:

Targets: 8

Receptions: 4

Yards per reception: 17.0

Touchdowns allowed: 1

Coverage grade: 52.9

Overall defensive grade: 55.2

Some folks might want to come out and say that the touchdown allowed by Fuller was a great throw and catch from Aaron Rodgers to Geronimo Allison, and that is partially true. What I saw, though, was Allison gaining separation late in the route due to Fuller’s average speed.

In other words, Fuller was burned.

Where was the guy we saw break out last year against the Carolina Panthers? Where is the guy who played with a swagger in 2017; a rising confidence that grew every week?

That’s the Fuller we need to see Monday night against these Seahawks. He is going to have his hands full with one of two guys, primarily. A familiar face is returning to Soldier field in Brandon Marshall, and Fuller should be accustomed to Marshall’s nuances.

The other guy, though, is Tyler Lockett, who has the speed to run right past a guy like Fuller. He must play with more physicality. That’s how Fuller won battles in 2017. He’s not the fastest, nor is he the most athletic, and let’s not even talk about his hands.

Fuller needs to be the aggressor on Monday night with either of these receivers. If the defense is to shut down Seattle, they’re going to have to limit big plays from Wilson. That means Fuller does his part by asserting himself early in the passing game.