Chicago Bears: Grading the 2018 offseason through four games
By Erik Lambert
FREE AGENCY
Allen Robinson (WR): A
The biggest fish the Bears got in free agency was without question Robinson. They felt their offense lacked a true #1 receiving threat and he was one of the names on the market who had that kind of ability. There was some risk with him coming off a torn ACL, but at age 24 there was plenty of reason to think he’d regain his old form. So far they should be happy with the return. Though the numbers aren’t prolific, he’s unquestionably been a dependable target for Trubisky.
Taylor Gabriel (WR): B
TheBears signed Gabriel for a specific reason. They wanted his game-breaking speed on their offense. Somebody who could stress the defenses over the top and not allow them to crowd the line of scrimmage. It took a few weeks to find his groove, but he found it against Tampa Bay with 104 yards and two touchdowns.
Trey Burton (TE): B
This was one of the more head-scratching deals made back in March. Up until last year, Burton was a reserve tight end and H-back used primarily as a backup and gadget player. Something he did well. Yet most felt he couldn’t be a primary weapon in an offense. Now over the past three weeks, he has 161 yards and two touchdowns. His versatility is showing up big.
Cody Parkey (K): B+
People really started to panic during the preseason. Cody Parkey missed a number of field goals in August, leading some to think if he was yet another failed signing after the departure of Robbie Gould. Thankfully it appears they were mistaken. Parkey is 9-for-10 this season on field goals, showcasing his accuracy and his knack for kicking in all conditions.
Chase Daniel (QB): C+
He was good in the preseason, but the real contributions that Daniel has made is helping in the development of Trubisky. Word is he’s been in the kid’s ear every day, helping him through the process and learning how to make the game slow down on the field. The performance against the Buccaneers showed the fruits of that labor.
Aaron Lynch (OLB): B+
This has arguably been the biggest surprise of the offseason additions. There was a small hope that Fangio could reignite some of the promise that Lynch showed during his early years in San Francisco. Then upon arrival, he injured his hamstring and missed all of training camp and the preseason. People started to write him off. The season arrived shortly after and now he has two sacks and an interception.