Plenty of names come to mind when discussing the new-look Chicago Bears. Veteran Lucas Patrick and rookie Braxton Jones have helped forge an identity for a once beleaguered offensive line. Justin Jones looks like a solid addition at defensive tackle, while rookie safety Jaquan Brisker is already establishing himself as a significant presence. Even wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown has looked like their best weapon in the passing game, even if that’s not saying much. Yet there is another player who isn’t getting nearly enough love.
That is Nicholas Morrow. People shrugged when the Bears added him as a free agent back in March. He had a solid season for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. Sadly injuries sidelined him for all of 2021. Nobody knew for sure what the Bears were getting. Head coach Matt Eberflus seemed confident they got a good football player that fit the new defense perfectly. It’s hard to argue that after three games. Morrow hasn’t made any flash plays, but he’s been one of the defense’s most consistent and reliable members.
He is second on the team with 23 tackles. What enhances that even further is he’s yet to miss a tackle this year. Smith was the star of the win over Houston, yet Morrow made some crucial plays too, especially in the 4th quarter.
The Chicago Bears got a good player for dirt cheap.
Remember they signed Morrow to a one-year deal for $2.5 million. That is chump change in today’s NFL. Grabbing a legitimate middle linebacker at that price is a testament to GM Ryan Poles’ ability to find bargains. It makes the Raiders not look too good by letting him walk in the first place. They should’ve known more than anybody what he was capable of. Now their loss is the Bears’ gain. If he keeps this up, the Bears may have a long-term piece.
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Don’t forget Morrow is only 27 years old. He is squarely in his prime. The Chicago Bears likely wouldn’t have any trouble locking him up to a multi-year contract by the start of next off-season. Presuming they can also secure Smith, their linebacker position would be in pretty good shape. That would enable Poles to focus on other spots such as the defensive line and cornerback.
Morrow has been solid and allowed R Smith to play looser and exploit his natural talents. It is starting to pay big dividends and will only increase as the chemistry in the LB Group solidifies.
@Thomas Gena.. I agree mostly. I totally agree that we need to leave Jenkins alone and let him play full games at Guard. I do think Patrick will be a noticeable upgrade over Musty at Center. I believe Patrick’s PFF grade was severely impacted based on him playing 2 out of 3 games with that cast on. Get Patrick at Center, and lock Jenkins in at Guard, and lets go!!!
Lucas Patrick (and his current 52.1 PFF grade) has done nothing but get in the way of Teven Jenkin’s’ growth at RG.
Will he be an improvement over Sam Mustipher, at center? Time will tell — if the coaches ever determine that he’s earned it.
So far, Patrick hasn’t played a down, at center.
I looked at his film when the Bears signed him and came away impressed. He is technically sound and pretty fast. I was afraid he might be too light but he makes up for it by arriving early and having good technique. He’s also above average in coverage. Very nice pickup. Sometimes teams just move on from a guy due to injury or a system change. He’s a good fit here and a solid starter.
"That would enable Poles to focus on other spots such as the defensive line and cornerback." And RECEIVER and TE and Another stud on the O Line.