Bears' Midseason Awards (Yes, We Went There)
By Chris Emma—
(CBS) Bears coach John Fox was asked Monday to summarize his evaluation of the team.
Through seven games, the Bears have identified pieces with which they can build, instilled a healthy locker room culture and maximized a roster on the rebuild. But Fox sees so much in black and white.
"Right now, 2-5," Fox said of his evaluation.
Of course, Fox is paid handsomely to worry about each week and its result, not to think so much for the future. That's general manager Ryan Pace's job. Fox is a football coach who's measured by wins and losses.
This Bears team is best evaluated by individuals, simply because this is far from the 53-man roster that Pace envisions. The bottom half of the roster is largely made up of replacement-level players.
So, at with Week 9 here marking the midpoint of the NFL season, let's look at the Bears' individual accolades.
MVP: QB Jay Cutler
The term of most valuable player best describes Cutler's work this season, because he's made the offense so much better. He went into Kansas City without Alshon Jeffery or Eddie Royal and won the game with Marquess Wilson and Cameron Meredith. Cutler has compiled a respectable 87.5 passer rating with eight touchdowns and four interceptions with a patchwork offensive line.
Cutler has dealt with injury issues all over the offense and made the Bears competent. He's playing gutsy football in leading the team. While the Bears are 2-5 on the season, and they've been in every game Cutler finishes. What Cutler has brought to the table this season is spectacular, given the circumstances.
Top newcomer: LB Pernell McPhee
This past offseason, the Bears went out looking for an impact edge rusher. In McPhee, they added a 3-4 outside linebacker who ranks sixth at his position by Pro Football Focus. McPhee has brought a new identity for the defense, backing his talk with five sacks in seven games. He speaks of putting fear into the quarterback, then finds his way to the backfield.
McPhee has been a disruption for opposing offenses. He's given the Bears a sustainable pass rush, something lacking the past two seasons. It seems the only way McPhee can be contained is when he's held. McPhee's part of the Bears' long-term plan, but he's making a major impact this season.
Biggest surprise: LB Christian Jones
When Vic Fangio took over as defensive coordinator, Jones was sold. He was thrilled to be part of this new look, one with which he felt great comfort. Jones believed he could make an impact, and he's delivered through seven games. Jones leads the Bears with 42 tackles while quarterbacking the defense with Shea McClellin sidelined due to injury.
Jones was picked up by the Bears as an undrafted free agent following the 2014 draft. He was projected to be a high selection had it not been for a failed drug test prior to the draft, which led to character concerns. Jones has been everything the Bears wanted, becoming their leading tackler in just his second season and perhaps emerging as a building block for the future.
Rookie of the year: NT Eddie Goldman
All but two of the Bears' 2015 draft picks are making an impact this season, a credit to Pace and his front office. First-round pick Kevin White is out recovering from a surgically repaired shin stress fracture, and perhaps sixth-round pick Tayo Fabuluje will get his chance at tackle in time. Otherwise, center Hroniss Grasu, running back Jeremy Langford and safety Adrian Amos have played their roles well, while Goldman has been solid at nose tackle.
Goldman hasn't looked one bit out of place during his rookie year, anchoring the Bears' new 3-4 defense as the man in the middle. Now, with Jeremiah Ratliff gone from the team, the spotlight is on Goldman. Through seven games, Goldman has 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks, with more to come as he takes on a larger role.
Unsung hero: OL Matt Slauson
Really, it had to be an offensive lineman as the Bears' unsung hero. When starting center Will Montgomery went down with an injury on Oct. 4, the Bears called upon Slauson to fill in. Then, a few weeks later when Grasu was injured, Slauson had to take on the center role again, though this time with some extra snaps during the week of practice.
For all the Bears' injuries and moving parts on the offensive line, Slauson has brought a semblance of stability. He's made teammates better and helped the offense remain competent. Slauson won't get the recognition he deserves, but most linemen don't.
Best supporting cast: WR Alshon Jeffery and OT Kyle Long
It'd be wrong if Jeffery and Long weren't included in some sort of award for their performances this season. Thus, they have tied as winners of this award. And why not, because how about that touchdown catch from Jeffery last weekend? Or what about the way Long has played at tackle?
For all of Phil Emery's flaws as general manager, he found the Bears a pair of Pro Bowl talents in Jeffery and Long. When Jeffery is healthy, he's one of the best receivers in football. With his ability to go up and get the football – how spectacular are his hands? – few cornerbacks can contain him on a well-placed throw. Meanwhile, Long has delivered on the offensive line, showing the same abilities at tackle as he did at guard. With the exception of a few adjustments, Long has made the move well. Both Jeffery and Long are due credit for their performances this season.
Most important second-half storyline: Jeremy Langford's development
It appears likely that the Bears will be without running back Matt Forte for the next few weeks. Enter Langford, the rookie out of Michigan State. In Langford, the Bears have a talented back with a versatile game, one similar to Forte. Teammates have touted Langford as a capable replacement for Forte moving forward.
If Langford impresses in his role, he'll make the Bears' decision on Forte -- an impending free agent -- easier after this season. He could emerge as the new starting running back over time. At the least, Langford has a chance to establish himself in this Bears offense. It will be fascinating to see what's to come from Langford.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.