WCG Match-Up Post: Grades and Reviews for Week 9

Looks like the bye week really helped this struggling offensive line. The main issue the Bears' pass protection had was blitz recognition. That wasn't the case this past Sunday as the line, the backs, and tight ends did a great job picking up Buffalo's blitzes and defensive line stunts. It also helped that Jay Cutler got the ball out quickly and was able to find his hot reads. If the pass protection continues to play like they did this past Sunday, they will regain Cutler's trust, and once Cutler trusts this line's ability to keep him upright, the more dangerous this offense can be.

LT Frank Omiyale: Grade B+

Solid day for Omiyale in both pass protection and run blocking, with his best playing coming late in the first quarter on a 3^rd and 4. Off the snap, Omiyale pushed his man who was stunting inside into Chris Williams and was able to pick up the blitzing linebacker. That allowed Jay enough time to find Knox on a crossing route for a big gain on 3^rd down. Omiyale has been pretty impressive at LT and each week keeps solidifying himself as the Bears best offensive lineman.

LG Chris Williams: Grade C

Williams is still learning the position at LG, but his problem really isn't mental rather than physical. Kyle Williams dominated him in the run game, but he sort of contained Williams in pass protection. The potential is there for Williams to be a solid starting LG, as he showed flashes of it on Taylor's touchdown pulling outside to open the lane for Taylor to run through it (you also have to like how he pushed Kyle Williams off the line on the previous play). The hope is that Williams plays solid enough to get through the season and in the off-season bulk up in weight and muscle to be stout inside.

C Olin Kreutz: Grade B-

Overall good game for Kreutz who did a good job helping both of his guards in pass protection. There was one play where he was pulling and if he was able to get a body on the linebacker, Forte could have had space to make a big play on the ground. Other than that play, Kreutz was solid today.

RG Roberto Garza: Grade B

He was responsible for two bad back-to-back false start penalties that put Jay in the offense in a tough 3^rd and long situation. He was also responsible for J'Marcus Webb playing well and having a better sense of blitz and stunt recognition. Give credit to Garza for also keeping Stroud quiet throughout the game.

RT J'Marcus Webb: Grade B+

You saw the significant effect a veteran can have when lined up next to a rookie tackle still learning the game. He still needs to be more consistent getting into his stance and sliding his feet, but Webb had his best game of the season. I was impressed by his ability to diagnose who was the blitzing Bills player and was able pick up the block. He also did a good job one on one against the opposing defensive end. Many times he was able to quickly get off the line and get in his stance. I noticed once this guy got his hands on a defensive end or rush linebacker, that player had no chance.