The Chicago Bears head on the road for the second straight week and will match up against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. The Bengals have listed quarterback Joe Flacco as questionable for this contest, yet there's another area where defensive tackle Grady Jarrett can step up.
Going into this game, Cincinnati has the 32nd-ranked run-blocking offensive line (42.5) according to Pro Football Focus. This will provide the defensive front, especially Jarrett, the chance to stand out in that area. And run defense hasn't been Jarrett's strong suit, to say the least.
Grady Jarrett Has Golden Opportunity to Stand Out in Week 9
This past offseason, Jarrett received a three-year, $42.75 million contract offer from the Bears, but has been hampered by some injuries and lackluster play thus far. In four games, Jarrett has eight total tackles and three QB hits. Yet as a run-defender, he owns a 52.6 run-defense grade, which ranks 82nd among 126 qualified defenders on PFF.
Over the last few seasons, Jarrett hasn't been a reliable run defender, as he's earned a defensive PFF grade of 61 or less in three of the past four campaigns. That trend has certainly carried over to Chicago, but this game against the Bengals gives him the best chance to have a good performance in that area.
The Bengals rank 31st in the league in rushing offense (82.9) and 4.3 yards per carry. They have an elite WR duo with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but not being able to establish a ground game has consistently hindered them.
There's a reason the Bears handed Jarrett that money in free agency, and he hasn't played at the level yet. Being an 11-year vet, he knows the ups and downs of an NFL season, but he also knows you need to be productive to stick around.
Based on his performance in 2025, it hasn't been good enough, but this game against the Bengals could provide the spark needed. Meanwhile, if Jarrett doesn't play well against this lackluster Cincinnati offensive line, it'll paint a more grim picture of his outlook for not only the second half of this season but the remaining years on the contract.
Fans have been searching for answers along the defensive front all season long, especially around Jarrett. But if he can't play his best game of the season against the Bengals in the run defense department, fans shouldn't expect it to get better throughout the remainder of the season.