Leno Turning Corner Towards Elite LT Status?

[richig07]

PFF seems to think he's on the verge of doing so this year.

Charles Leno is having the best preseason of any OT in NFL

Chicago Bears left tackle Charles Leno is having a tremendous preseason and may be on the cusp of emerging as one of the NFL’s premier blindside protectors.

He’s playing like one right now, according to Pro Football Focus. Leno is the highest-graded offensive tackle in pass protection so far this summer.


If Leno develops into an elite player this season, the Bears will benefit beyond just the offense’s effectiveness. Leno’s four-year, $37 million contract signed last offseason will instantly become one of the team’s best bargains at such a premium position.

In order for Mitch Trubisky and the Bears offense to thrive, he needs to have confidence in his protection up front. Leno is the most important part of developing that trust, and he’s taken a huge step in that process over the last couple of games.

 

[richig07]

Oh, and they're once again lauding Amos too. Who they've always been in love with.

Amos named ‘secret superstar’ by PFF for second straight year


Adrian Amos isn’t well known outside of Chicago. He’s never made the Pro Bowl or put up big numbers, but he’s been a mainstay of the Bears secondary for the last three years.

Pro Football Focus is changing the perception of the former fifth-round pick. They’ve touted Amos’ ability for more than a year now, and they recognized him once again this week for his consistency.

PFF released their “secret superstars” on both sides of the ball, and Amos made the list for the second straight year.

After they gave him the same title last year, he went on to have his strongest season to date, finishing as their third highest-graded safety in the NFL at 90.9 overall.

It was a bold claim as he started the season on the bench behind Quintin Demps and rookie Eddie Jackson, but once Amos took over, there was no looking back.

His impact isn’t about making plays on the ball. Amos earns high marks from PFF for his consistency in execution — maintaining his assignments in coverage, filling gaps in run defense, and wrapping up as a tackler.

His style of play may not earn him the headlines that more traditional play-making safeties get, but if he can string together consecutive years of excellence, Amos may not be a secret for too much longer.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

I think we all agree that Leno has been one of the more underrated LTs in the league for a couple of years now. Maybe this eval from PFF will give him some deserved recognition. As for Amos, I think the key word used when describing his play has been consistency. He doesn't make a lot of highlight reel plays, but then again, he doesn't make those same reels for the wrong reasons either. Plus he's the secondary's best hitter.

 

[nebearsfan70]

I read an article about Leno's progression into a top LT. This is great news if true.