Chicago Bears Stat of the Day: Cre’Von LeBlanc Pass Defense

Jordan Howard was the biggest steal of the 2016 offseason for the Chicago Bears, but it’s hard to argue against Cre’Von LeBlanc being a close second.

The team first noticed the undersized cornerback during joint team practices with the New England Patriots prior to their meeting in the preseason. GM Ryan Pace and the coaches like him enough that when the Patriots placed him on waivers during final cuts they put in a claim. He end up coming to Chicago and before too long became one of their most productive defensive backs.

Though he wasn’t perfect by any stretch, LeBlanc showed loads of playmaking potential when got onto the field and that’s reflected in the stats. According to Sporting Charts, not only did the rookie tie for the team lead with two interceptions, he also claimed sole ownership with 10 additional passes defended. In a secondary that struggled every week to make plays, he was doing more than a man of his experience or stature should.

LeBlanc represents a future staple in Bears defense

That is solid work by Pace and his front office. Even though the Bears struggled to win last season, there were plenty of young players flashing their potential. Few did it more often than LeBlanc. He strikes as one of those guys who loves to defy expectations and does it through hard work and relentlessness. Besides, it’s not like Bill Belichick has a poor eye for undrafted defensive backs. Ask Malcolm Butler.

It’s a welcome sign that Chicago saw many of those same underrated qualities. LeBlanc has a chance to become part of the long-term outlook of the Bears. As he gains experience the odds say he’ll only get better, which is exciting given how productive he already was. If the rest of the defense can pick up their game is well, the possibilities are endless.