Pro Football Focus does things differently. They are the most analytical entity out there when it comes to the NFL. They have numbers for everything and their evaluations may be a bit different for determining who the best players and teams in the NFL are. They have their critics, but it’s still interesting to hear their thought process. Especially in regards to the recent work they did on the Chicago Bears 2017 roster, along with the other 31.
In a collaboration with ESPN, they set out to rank every NFL teams’ starting lineup from #1 to #32. To the surprise of nobody the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots went first and second respectively. Being the two representatives in the Super Bowl last season can do that. No, the bigger shocks were saved for later in the list.
Perhaps one of the biggest? The fact that the Bears earned such a respectable ranking of 18th despite finishing 3-13. Perhaps a nod from the PFF brass on their woeful injury situation from 2016. Not only that but they ranked ahead of both the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins. Two playoff teams from last season.
Bears 2017 roster less on star power and more about limited holes
“Biggest strength: Jerrell Freeman was the top-graded linebacker (93.8) in the league in 2016, but he missed four games due to suspension. He has been an elite playmaker over the past two seasons, notching 59 defensive stops last season and 51 the season before.
Biggest weakness: The Bears have several major question marks among their starters with no clear standout at receiver or in the secondary. Plus, free-agent signee Dion Sims was one of the lowest-graded tight ends in the league last season, particularly as a blocker.
By the numbers: The interior of the offensive line — guards Josh Sitton and Kyle Long and center Cody Whitehair — combined to surrender only 30 total pressures in 2016, but tackles Charles Leno and Bobby Massie gave up a combined 73.”
The key to this situation lay in the overall makeup of the roster. What the Bears lack in starpower they make up for in consistency. Only four of their players rated an 85 or above on the grading scale with Jerrell Freeman being the lone man to crack 90. At the same time they do have five other players who crack the 80 barrier and three others who do respectable 75 or more. There aren’t a ton of glaring holes in the lineup.
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The lowest grade went to tight end Dion Sims and that’s mostly because he’s new to the roster. Leonard Floyd also had a low grade but that was due to his persistent injury issues. If nothing else it’s a sign the team has quality players. It’s a matter of whether they can stay health first and foremost, and whether some of them can attain elite status. Then Chicago is in business.
