The Chicago Bears' plan in the secondary was unknown to many before the game, including some of their own players. Head coach Ben Johnson admitted that defensive back Cam Lewis did not know what position he would be playing heading into Sunday morning.
The team wanted to see if Xavier Woods was healthy enough to get into the lineup. However, after they tested his groin injury, the team deemed that he could not go. So, Lewis, who had been working at both safety and in the slot, was asked to play safety in the Bears' win.
Chicago Bears Reveal Plan at Defensive Back in Season Opener
The Bears decided to play Malik Muhammad in the slot in place of Lewis. According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, the Bears might have decided to rotate the rookie fourth-round pick in with Lewis if Woods were healthy.
However, without Woods, the team decided to let Muhammad start in the slot. In total, he played 52 snaps in his debut.
Interestingly enough, Woods and Muhammad were the two highest-graded players on the Bears, according to PFF. The duo did not know how much, or what role they would have. However, they were the most prepared to step up on a defense that had very few bright spots.
Lewis had a 71.6 grade. He posted six tackles with three run stops. He only allowed two receptions in coverage for 20 yards. Meanwhile, Muhammad had a 65 grade. He struggled with tackles and had three missed tackles. However, he was strong in coverage, forcing four incompletions. He did allow five completions, but it is expected that the rookie would get picked on. Overall, he held his own.
Now, the question is what the team will do moving forward. The rookie and his development are the most important factors. If Muhammad is good enough to stay on the field, the team should let him continue to grow in the slot.
However, the plan was to play Lewis in the slot if Woods is healthy. Woods was not healthy enough for Week 1, but he was a true game-time decision. So, barring setbacks, he could be ready to play in Week 2.
If Woods is healthy, does the team push Lewis into a depth role? He would back up Muhammad in the slot and Woods at safety. Or they could continue with what worked and let Woods sit.
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