Here are three key takeaways from the recent statements by the Chicago Bears coordinators as they prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders
- Sunday’s game could feature a showdown between rookie quarterbacks. Reports have emerged suggesting that Raiders’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be sidelined due to a back injury sustained in their Week 6 victory over the New England Patriots. As a result, the Raiders might turn to either veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O’Connell to lead their offense. The Bears are diligently studying both potential starters to understand their playing styles, emphasizing the need to be prepared for any quarterback they face. Meanwhile, the Bears are preparing to start undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent, as their regular starter, Justin Fields, missed his second consecutive practice due to a right thumb injury.
- Concerns have arisen regarding the health of right tackle Darnell Wright, who sat out practice due to a shoulder injury. Wright had been limited in the previous practice session, and his absence is a significant development, especially given the Bears’ ongoing injury woes on the offensive line. Left tackle Braxton Jones remains on injured reserve with a neck injury, and right guard Nate Davis is unavailable this week due to an ankle injury. The frequent reshuffling of the offensive line has disrupted its chemistry, which offensive coordinator Luke Getsy acknowledges as a critical aspect of success in the league.
- The Bears’ special teams unit continues to benefit from Rasheem Green’s exceptional contributions. Green’s ability to block kicks, as demonstrated by his recent deflection of Greg Joseph’s extra-point kick, has been a valuable asset for the team. Green has a track record of swatting kicks, and he has already blocked two for the Bears this season, including a PAT try and a field-goal attempt. His exceptional performance in this area has not gone unnoticed, with special teams coordinator Richard Hightower commending his dedication and the support of other players like Dylan Cole, Gervon Dexter, Dominique Robinson, Justin Jones, and Jaquan Brisker in creating opportunities for Green. Hightower sees Green as a special talent in this phase of the game, emphasizing the team’s commitment to further developing their special teams performance. Green’s attention to detail and knowledge of his opponents make him an invaluable asset to the team, raising the level of play among his teammates as they recognize his game-changing potential.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Drake Maye’s scouting report is analyzed by WCG’s lead draft analyst.
It’s essential to address the misconception that Maye is similar to Mitchell Trubisky, a comparison that often arises due to both being North Carolina quarterbacks wearing the No. 10 jersey.
However, the similarities end there, as Maye has more experience, superior arm strength, better pocket presence, and an impressive 14-5 record as a two-year starter compared to Trubisky’s 8-5 as a one-year starter.
Drake Maye’s strengths are noteworthy. He is a strong-armed quarterback who excels in the pocket but remains mobile. His throws exhibit excellent velocity, distance, and the ability to throw from various platforms.
He can hit targets in tight windows with both the speed and precision of his passes and possesses a keen sense of anticipation. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 225 pounds, he has ideal size for a quarterback.
Maye’s internal clock helps him place deep balls accurately, and he demonstrates pocket awareness by maneuvering effectively to avoid pressure. He can also extend plays by scrambling outside the pocket due to his athleticism, combining size and speed to make him an above-average mobile QB.
However, there are weaknesses in his game. His mechanics need improvement, particularly when throwing on the move, as his footwork can become erratic. Inconsistent follow-through and base affect his accuracy on short-area passes. At times, he crosses his body when throwing, resulting in occasional poor throws on easy passes. His 2022 PFF passing grade beyond his first read was just 62.9, ranking 65th in the country. He is prone to misjudgments when locked into a play.
In summary, Maye possesses the physical attributes of a prototypical quarterback, including size, athleticism, and arm strength. While his tape showcases considerable potential, he is a more polished quarterback than many give him credit for. He displays situational awareness in the pocket and effectively uses his athleticism to extend plays while scanning the field. However, Maye’s footwork and decision-making need refinement at the next level. Nonetheless, he shows promise in his ability to read the field. With his talent as a passer, he appears to be a strong contender for the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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