The fourth preseason game gets such a bad rap these days but that’s not entirely fair. The Chicago Bears certainly put it to good use. In building a big 20-0 halftime lead, they got strong performances across the depth chart from players fighting for roster spots. Perhaps the name that stood out most was cornerback Doran Grant. Not only was he superb during the half, but he’s been their best defender of the preseason.
That’s not a statement made without proof either. According to Pro Football Focus, Grant went into the game having been targeted 10 times by opposing quarterbacks in his prior appearances. He allowed just three catches for 32 yards. Not only that but he also had an interception and two pass breakups. He also made eight tackles, showing his physicality.
No other Bears corner who was targeted at least 10 times in preseason performed better. That alone should’ve made Grant a favorite to sneak onto the roster. Then the first half of the Bills game took place.
We are all @Mtrubisky10 during Doran Grant's pick six… #BUFvsCHI pic.twitter.com/swB1ykioUa
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 31, 2018
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Doran Grant gave the Bills problems all over the field
Early on the Bills tried to pick on Grant. A.J. McCarron went his way a couple times, completing some passes for decent yardage. Unfortunately he went outside to the sideline one too many time. Grant read him on a 2nd and 5 play, cut in front of the receiver and returned it for a huge pick-six that broke the game open for Chicago.
It didn’t stop there. Later on, Grant almost did it again, getting his hands on the football but it fell to the turn before he could corral it. The play was still a big positive as it forced a 4th down. The only negative play the corner had was a pass interference on a deep shot by McCarron that was a questionable call upon replay. He stuck his arm out to battle the receiver but at no point grabbed him or impeded his progress.
Other than that it was a tremendous performance. Grant has bounced around the league for quite some time since being drafted by the Steelers a couple years ago. It seems the switch may finally have flipped for him. He’s done everything he needed to do to deserve a roster spot in that secondary. One hopes the Bears coaching staff comes to the same conclusion.
He’s earned it more than anybody else has. Do the right thing and put him on the depth chart.
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