The Surprising Bears Pass Blocker Who Led the Way Against Rams

Pro Football Focus grades for pass blocking against the Rams had one of their most controversial players on the line in a commanding spot.

Bears guard Nate Davis attempts to block Khalil Davis of the Texans in Chicago's Week 2 loss at Houston. / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

While Matt Pryor has impressed the Bears coaches throughout the season in his relief appearances on the offensive line, it might surprise some Bears fans who Pro Fotball Focus says the most effective pass blocker was during the win over the Rams.

It was none other than Nate Davis, often criticized this season and beset with a groin injury that seems to never go away.

Davis didn't play the full game. He was replaced as starter by Pryor at right guard for the game but wound up playing when Pryor moved over to left guard after Teven Jenkins suffered bruised ribs.

Coach Matt Eberflus describe Pryor's 6-foot-7, 332-pound size as a key to why they liked him starting over Davis.

I know Quinten was showing Nate Davis but i had to comment on the fact that Caleb still got this TD to DJ off in 2.80 seconds after going through multiple reads in a collapsing pocket. This. Is. The. Difference. https://t.co/aRSng6T2gR pic.twitter.com/eezDKGADKH

— Jordy Bear (@TheBearsShow) October 1, 2024

"Yeah, we just liked the performance last week (against the Colts), in terms of the size, being firm in the pocket there and being able to move some people," Eberflus said. "I thought that was good, and we think that’s a good option for us."

However, in the game against the Rams for 49 snaps and 27 pass blocking attempts, PFF gave Davis an 80.5 mark. Darnell Wright was second best as a pass blocker at 73.7 and the only other offensive lineman to be over 60.0.

Davis didn't exactly shine as a run blocker as he had the worst offensive line grade there at 42.0 in a game when the Bears line excelled at blocking the run. Left tackle Braxton Jones actually had a team-high 84.6 grade blocking for 28 runs.

A couple more thoughts…

Really dislike that Nate Davis can only play RG. Hat tip to Matt Pryor. Unsung hero for sure.

Booker is learning on the job. Love to see it.

On Rome’s only catch, as soon as he got it, he went straight up field, no dancing, no juking. Good job. https://t.co/cWdiZ2kkLw

— Beyond Halas (@BeyondHalas) September 30, 2024

Ah, but what does PFF know? They gave Doug The Mini-Fridge Kramer only a 60.0 grade for his two run blocking grades as a fullback, plays when he paved the way for Roschon Johnson's touchdown and first down.

Overall, the best offensive grade for a lineman went to Jones at 67.2. It was the only Bears overall line grade over 60.

It's possible Davis could be playing for a while. Nothing is known now but Bears coach Matt Eberflus said the bruised ribs suffered by Jenkins would be a day-to-day injury situation.

#Bears HC Matt Eberflus on the decision to start Matt Pryor over Nate Davis at RG for the second week in a row and an update on Kiran Amegadjie pic.twitter.com/lEKFc2Ctle

— Barroom Network | Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) September 27, 2024

Twitter: BearsOnSI