It’s a long season. 16 grueling games that are becoming more and more challenging to win every year. It only takes one missed tackle, one missed field goal or one bad throw to decide a game.
Individual players experience ups and downs throughout the course of this long season. Even the ones who are considered “the best” have down weeks. If you’ve been a Bears fan for any length of time, you can most likely pinpoint a player or two that have had bad weeks.
It’s time to take a look at whose stock is on the rise after a solid performance…and those who missed the bar in Week 8.
Stock Up: Jordan Howard
It’s about freaking time. Jordan Howard finally delivered after weeks of almost irrelevance.
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22 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.
These still aren’t eye-popping stats, but for someone who has struggled in this new offense through the first seven weeks, it’s time to celebrate. Howard ran well against a solid New York Jets defense and he showed that he is still one of the better backs in the league.
Jordan Howard punched it in for #DaBears touchdown pic.twitter.com/qCMQPnr0WU
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) October 21, 2018
We might be seeing the breakthrough we needed from number 24. His stock is on the rise.
Stock Down: Cody Parkey
Cody Parkey was called upon to seal off the Bears first drive with a field goal from 40 yards out. He then proceeded to shank it wide right.
This is now the second time in three weeks where he’s missed a field goal that’s mattered.
The one against the Dolphins was significantly more important, of course, but getting points on the board to start a game is crucial. Thankfully, the Bears were able to rally and overcome Parkey’s mistake.
Kicking is something that teams want to never have to worry about. Consistency needs to be there in order for Parkey to be trusted. His stock is trending downward.
Stock Up: Bryce Callahan
It’s a contract year for Callahan and he’s playing like a man possessed.
Yesterday, he played airtight coverage against the Jets wideouts. He was constantly around the ball and even contributed to the pass rush with delivering a sack off the edge.
Callahan ended the day with 3 passes defended, 4 tackles and one sack. An incredibly impressive outing and he delivered in a game where Prince Amukamara was essentially a non-factor.
If he keeps trending upwards like this, Ryan Pace will have a tough decision on his hands come the off-season.
Stock Down: Leonard Floyd
This seems familiar.
Over the course of the last few weeks, we here at Sports Mockery have been shedding light on Leonard Floyd’s struggles. Floyd did seem to respond in a somewhat positive way this Sunday against the Jets though.
In a game where Khalil Mack wasn’t healthy enough to play, the Bears needed Floyd to step up and create pressure against rookie QB, Sam Darnold. Floyd delivered with 6 QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, but only finished with 2 total tackles.
It’s a solid afternoon. But when Floyd’s been struggling so hard for so long, it’s hard to climb out of the basement without seeing him hit “paydirt”.
Now, Floyd is the subject of trade rumors and could be dealt at this NFL Trade Deadline. Was this showing enough for Pace to consider keeping him around and working through the ongoing issues? Or was it enough to convince other teams they have something to work with?
Until we can see a serious contribution on the football field, Floyd’s stock is down.
Stock Up: Anthony Miller
With Allen Robinson unable to play, Miller was forced into a larger role in the offense. The second round pick out of Memphis did not disappoint.
While the stat line isn’t eye-catching, 3-37-1, Miller was constantly winning his matchups and displaying solid hands. While he’d like to have one or two targets back, it was an impressive showing for the rookie.
The Bears need this draft class to step up and contribute in big ways. Miller’s solid showing against the Jets is a huge vote of confidence moving forward.
(Also, watch Taylor Gabriel in the background of this video)
Can we have some chips with that salsa, @AnthonyMiller_3?? pic.twitter.com/GNr53uQ8Tq
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 28, 2018
Stock Down: Kyle Long
This is in no way Kyle’s fault.
The man is a beast and, when healthy, one of the best guards in football.
He just can’t find a way to stay on the field. He has not played a full 16-game season since 2015 and has had numerous surgeries in that time span.
He’s a warrior though and always continues to fight back to be a leader for this young Bears team. But he was injured again in Sunday’s game and it doesn’t sound good.
#KyleLong @ChicagoBears
The video was unclear and obstructed but the audio was clear. Could hear him scream. Rolled up on from behind which usually means high ankle injury vs MCL. https://t.co/Aq9oOhu9k0— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) October 28, 2018
Kyle has the ability to be the best guard in football, but missing time is not going to help that happen. Through no fault of his own, it’s stock down for number 75.
