From the unexpected to the notable stars: Handing out midseason awards for Bears offensive players originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
With the Bears on their bye week it’s as good a time as any to reflect on the season up to this point. Expectations varied for the team this year, with some believing they could push for a playoff spot and others believing they would repeat as the worst team in the NFL. As it turned out, things trended closer to the latter than the former, but it’s clear they’re an improved football team. The run defense has gone from one of the worst units in the league to one of the best. DJ Moore has been the true WR1 the team has lacked since Allen Robinson left. Justin Fields has played some of the best football of his career over his last five games.
Who have been the best performers? Who have been breakout players? Who’s done the most with limited opportunities? Scroll on to see our offensive midseason (ok really two-thirds through, but who cares) award winners.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
Winner: Cole Kmet
Runner up: Lucas Patrick
The Bears signed Cole Kmet to a reported four-year, $50 million contract extension over the offseason and they’ve immediately seen a return on their investment. Kmet has continued to earn praise from coaches for his improved blocking, but more importantly he’s developed into a clear No. 2 pass-catching option for Fields. Kmet ranks second on the team in catches (56), receiving yards (482) and touchdowns (5). He trails only Moore in each of those categories. Further, Kmet’s catch per game (4.7) and yards per game (40.2) averages currently rank as career highs.
Lucas Patrick earns an honorable mention for sliding in to play reliably at center after his injuries last year led to a disastrous campaign at guard.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Darnell Wright
Runner up: Tyson Bagent
Playing offensive tackle as a rookie is extremely hard to do, and unsurprisingly Wright has struggled at times when defending some of the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/unexpected-notable-stars-handing-midseason-204924410.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2023-11-29 20:49:24
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