The DBB team is evaluating the entire organization at this well-placed, exactly midseason bye week. The catch? Each of us is limited to ONE SENTENCE for each position group. Today we switch to special teams.
Connor Barth
Jeff: Yes, the cupboard is bare at wide receiver due to injury but it’s been at kicker (and Mike Glennon) where the Bears have displayed their most glaring evaluative weakness.
Andrew: Barth just isn’t getting the job done.
Data: Connor Barth is terrible, but that’s something we’ve known since before he signed with the Bears 15 months ago.
DBB Grade: D
Pat O’Donnell
Jeff: Yes, I spend way too much time thinking about and studying punters but POD has improved his directional kicking, hang time and placement in 2017.
Andrew: Pat O’Donnell just might be having the best year of his career.
Data: Pat O’Donnell is quietly having a nice year and should be brought back when his contract expires after the season.
DBB Grade: B+
Coverage Units
Jeff: Worth noting that the only time these units have struggled was when Sherrick McManis – one of the most underrated players in the league – went out with injury against Baltimore. (I’d like to also reiterate my statement that it’s insane a man named Sherrick McManis is a black football player and not a fiddle player from Galway City.)
Andrew: Largely due to a return from Baltimore, the Bears are third worst in terms of punt return average.
Data: Outside of a terrible game against Baltimore, it seems like these have been pretty solid this year, a sign of the improved depth on the roster.
DBB Grade: B
Return Units
Jeff: Tarik Cohen profiles as a terrific punt returner but the results certainly are not showing, leading me to wonder if the Bears shouldn’t put someone back there with a more downhill approach to the return game.
Andrew: The numbers aren’t flashy, but Tarik Cohen seems destined to break a long return for a touchdown soon.
Data: Tarik Cohen has provided the occasional big play, albeit with a few rookie mistakes sprinkled in as well.
DBB Grade: C
Coaching
Jeff: Special teams coaching is all about managing the bottom of the roster and while Jeff Rodgers has done an admirable job of that, there’s not a single “special” element of these units.
Andrew: Specials aren’t killing the team, so I guess he’s doing the job.
Data: There have been key special teams mistakes 3 weeks in a row, a clear indictment on the coaching.
DBB Grade: C
