The Chicago Bears are a team driven by their stars this year, as it should be. For the first time in ages, they have a strong nucleus of talent that is capable of surviving key injuries and continue to win games. When it’s not Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks, it’s Mitch Trubisky. When it’s not him, it’s Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller. So many guys are stepping into the spotlight this year.
However, this is a team sport and the stars don’t do all the lifting. There’s simply not enough attention to go around for everybody. This makes it easy for certain players to get overlooked. Players who might be making big contributions on the field but just can’t seem to garner the same admiration as their more celebrated teammates.
That’s what this is about. Giving a voice to the voiceless. Here are a few names scattered across the Bears roster who have played really well but aren’t able to get that recognition. Fittingly it starts with a favorite punching bag of the fans.
Bobby Massie (RT)
A lot of people have dumped on Bobby Massie over the past couple of years. They’ve viewed him as the weak link of the offensive line since he virtually signed his contract. Most expected him to be gone after 2018 as his deal expires and the Bears find somebody better. Except that might be a bit of an overreaction.
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Massie is in the midst of the best season of his career. Last year he allowed five sacks in 16 starts including 38 pressures. This year he’s allowed just one sack and 18 pressures in 11 games. Mitch Trubisky and Chase Daniel have received little harassment from his side of the field. He’s 29-years old. It looks like he might be earning his way to another season in Chicago.
Taylor Gabriel (WR)
Offensively most of the talk has centered on Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Trey Burton, and Mitch Trubisky. Not to mention Tarik Cohen. It’s almost like Taylor Gabriel has become a bit of an afterthought. That’s somewhat surprising since he currently leads the Bears in receiving yards with 527. It hasn’t been just off a few big plays either.
Gabriel also leads the team with 51 catches. He’s earning his yards. What’s most impressive is that he’s been targeted 69 times and has yet to drop a pass this season. Given the size of his hands, that’s saying something. Turbo deserves a little more love than he’s been getting lately.
Eddie Goldman (NT)
Nose tackles are basically the defensive equivalent of guards on offense. There aren’t many stats that pinpoint exactly how good they are. Only by watching tape does one start to unveil their value. This is the case for Eddie Goldman. While Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson, and Akiem Hicks get all the love, he’s been a giant focal point to their success.
Eddie Goldman (@EddieGoldman) on 3rd & short quickly sheds his blocker, redirects & works flat down the LOS. Makes a big play! #Bears pic.twitter.com/FKelTcq2rq
— DLineVids (@DLineVids) November 24, 2018
Anybody who knows anything about the 3-4 defensive system understands that the nose tackle is critical to defending the run. Chicago ranks second in rushing yards allowed this season. Goldman is the key to that, constantly clogging up lanes and keeping blockers off linebackers Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith. This also overshadows the fact he has 16 pressures on the quarterback including a sack.
Kevin Toliver (CB)
The Bears have had an excellent trio at cornerback this year. Kyle Fuller is barreling towards All-Pro honors. Bryce Callahan is positioned for a nice payday next year. Prince Amukamara has suddenly started forcing turnovers. It’s wonderful to see. This has also made it easy to overlook how well rookie Kevin Toliver has played.
The undrafted free agent out of LSU was forced into the lineup earlier this year due to Amukamara health issues. Since then he’s been their primary reserve and done a strong job. All told he’s been targeted 18 times, allowing just 10 catches for 136 yards with a pass deflection. That equates to a 79.9 passer rating.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe (ILB)
He hasn’t yet gotten an opportunity on defense. That’s not a surprise with Trevathan and Smith already entrenched as starters and Nick Kwiatkoski as a primary backup. However, good players find a way to contribute until it’s their turn. Iyiegbuniwe has embraced this reality by turning his attention to special teams.
Through 11 games he’s tied for the team lead with four tackles on kick and punt coverage. He’s committed no penalties or missed any tackle attempts. Considering the same can’t be said for ace Sherrick McManis, that’s impressive.
