Bears Rush Report 2018: Week 9 at the Bills

The Bears finally gave me another 4-bagger of a Rush Report. I was starting to think that this job was going to get really boring without Khalil Mack to spice things up! Facing the lowly Bills can do wonders for your defense, however, as the Bears showed on Sunday. The pressure seemed to come from all directions, although technically, 3 of the 4 came from the left tackle.

Vic Fangio continues to be judicious with his blitz calls, but I must say, when he does dial up a blitz, it is generally effective. This week was no exception as there was yet another sack recorded by a member of the secondary, but it might not be what you’re thinking. This was a fun one, so without further adieu, I present to you the latest Rush Report!

Week 9 vs the Bills

Sack 1 - Third quarter 4:04 (2nd & 6) - Isiah Irving

This sack ends up going to Isiah Irving but there is a huge assist here from Danny Trevathan. The first sack of the game comes on a blitz, with the Bears rushing 5. Irving eventually beats a poorly attempted cut-block and delivers the blind side blow, but watch Trevathan. He starts rushing the B-gap—between the left guard and left tackle—once the center is fully committed to nose tackle Nick Williams, Trevathan loops around to the A-gap—between the center and right guard—but the center is late making the switch. Trevathan has Nathan Peterman dead to rights before Peterman turns into Irving. I am going to split this sack due to a great play by Trevathan that made this all possible.

Sack 2 - Fourth quarter 13:07 (2nd & 14) - Adrian Amos

The next sack ends up being the second career sack for Adrian Amos. Although in truth, this play was 99.9% made by Akiem Hicks. If Hicks wasn’t held a little bit here, that sack ends up in his back pocket. As it stands, Hicks was able to grab Peterman’s arm but just couldn’t hold on while being blocked. Amos is playing contain once his coverage responsibility stays in to block. Amos simply cleans the play up. I definitely give Amos props for making the play, but this one goes down as a SINO (Sack in Name Only).

Sack 3 - Fourth quarter 12:23 (3rd & 15) - Aaron Lynch

The third sack was setup by the blitz we saw on Irving’s sack. Trevathan loops around Hicks this time but the Bills block it well. Peterman is bouncing in the pocket as he sees the blitz in front of him and takes off as Aaron Lynch comes free. This is a very good individual effort from Lynch. He sets up the left tackle with a fake inside swim move, then counters to an outside swim. This is a really cool move and one that I wish he would teach to the rest of the players on the team. Unfortunately, Lynch was flagged for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, which gave the Bills new life on this drive. Although he actually helps himself with the lewd hip thrusts since there was also a penalty on Prince Amukamara which, had it been accepted, would have wiped away the sack.

Sack 4 - Fourth quarter 2:00 (4th & 16) - Roy Robertson-Harris

There’s really not much to say on this. RRH has a tight end who basically whiffs and he has a free run at the quarterback. Again, not taking anything away from a player making a play, but this was a sack for whoever was lined up at this spot. This is about as bad of an attempt at pass blocking as you will ever see.

Pressure of the Week

Second quarter 11:055 (2nd & 12) - Leonard Floyd and Aaron Lynch

While not a traditional pressure, Floyd and Lynch were playing a 2-man game with Peterson here. Lynch beats the left tackle, which forces Peterman to his right. Floyd takes on the tight end chip and then has a contain/rush responsibility. As Peterman is setting his feet to throw, Floyd jumps and gets his hands in his face which forces the throw wide of the target. Just after letting the ball go, Lynch drills him in the back for his efforts. This is a prime example of how the pass rush can affect a play without a sack.

Here’s how I have the individual* Rush Report after week 9.

Khalil Mack - 4

Team Sacks - 3

Akiem Hicks - 2

Roquan Smith - 2

SINO - 2

Roy Robertson-Harris - 2.5

Aaron Lynch - 2.5

Bryce Callahan - 1.5

Danny Trevathan - 1.5

Eddie Goldman - 1

Sherrick McManis - 1

Bilal Nichols - 0.5

Isiah Irving - 0.5

*These numbers do not reflect a players official statistics.