The Chicago Bears have a 7-2 record entering their Week 10 bye week, where they have an opportunity to rest up, get healthy and prepare for a Week 11 game against the New Orleans Saints.
The Bears are off to their best start since 2012, where they currently sit in first place in an NFC North division that's been historically good and competitive through the first nine weeks. The fact that Chicago is in this position after missing quarterback Caleb Williams for three games speaks volumes about Ben Johnson's squad, and the addition of All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons also doesn't hurt.
There have been some standout players (both good and bad) through the first half of the season, and some come as a surprise while others are expected. Here's
a look at the best and worst from the Bears offense and defense after the first nine games, according to Pro Football Focus.
Best offense grades
- RT Darnell Wright: 85.9
- RG Jonah Jackson: 83.1
- WR Luther Burden III: 82.9
- RB Kyle Monangai: 74.6
- QB Caleb Williams: 72.7
The absolute stars of the Bears offense have shined through the first half of the season, with Darnell Wright and Jonah Jackson cementing themselves as two of the best offensive linemen in the NFL. Luther Burden has been the team's best receiver for most of the season, and Kyle Monangai is really the key to unlocking the rushing offense for Chicago, and his absence has been a big one. Caleb Williams will always be the most focused on star and him being one of the best offensive graded players is why this team has had the success they've had, even with Williams missing three games.
Worst offense grades
- QB Case Keenum: 50.3
- WR Jahdae Walker: 55.3
- QB Tyson Bagent: 56.7
- TE Cole Kmet: 57.6
- OT Ozzy Trapilo: 58.4
Jahdae Walker came into the season with a potential chance to find earn himself playing time on the field offensively, but most of his work has come on special teams. Keenum and Bagent each filled in for Williams during his injury, and it was the veteran Keenum who had the better individual performance between the two when given the starting role. Cole Kmet was lost for the season with a knee injury, and while he didn't make much of an impact on offense, he was a great blocker to help open up the run game.
Best defense grades
- DT Jeffery Simmons: 73.9
- LB Noah Sewell: 73.9
- DE Austin Booker: 72.5
- DE Daniel Hardy: 71.4
- S Cam Lewis: 64.9
Jeffery Simmons has been one of the best players on defense in the league this season, and has made his impact felt in a big way upon his arrival in Chicago. Part of Simmons' arrival has also opened up more opportunities for his teammates, and Austin Booker has been one of the biggest benefactors from his new teammate. Cam Lewis has done well filling in for Coby Bryant, and the depth of Chicago's defense is on full display with Noah Sewell and Daniel Hardy also cracking the top of this list.
Worst defense grades
- DT Jordan van den Berg: 39.2
- DT Neville Gallimore: 44.1
- CB Jaylon Johnson: 44.3
- CB Tyrique Stevenson: 46.2
- DT Kentavius Street: 48.7
Coming into the season, Jordan van den Berg had a ton of hype around him but he has not been given many opportunities and has taken a back seat in his rookie season. The biggest concern of the entire first half of the season surrounds the two cornerbacks on this list, Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, both of whom are expected to be leaders in the secondary, but their play has been very poor this season. If the Bears defensive line can continue to excel, it may make life easier on the secondary in the second half of the season, but Johnson and Stevenson have to get better if the team is going to be a real championship contender.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears PFF grades: Best, worst performers at bye week
