Josh Blackwell keeps finding ways to matter for the Bears, and Week 6 was another reminder that his value goes well beyond the usual special-teams praise.
In Chicago’s 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Blackwell made one of the game’s biggest plays when Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch muffed a punt and Blackwell recovered it. That takeaway set up a short drive that ended with a touchdown and put the Falcons ahead 21-7. Even on a play that came to him more or less on a layup, Blackwell still showed why he’s so trusted in the kicking game by being first downfield to the returners on kickoff and punt coverage.
The Bears also asked him to do more on defense because of injuries in the secondary, with Tyrique Stevenson out for the Falcons game. Blackwell answered in nine defensive snaps, giving up just one four-yard catch.
By the end of the afternoon, Blackwell had four tackles, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery. Pro Football Focus graded him at 86.5 overall, which was the third-best mark on the Bears.
That kind of production has become familiar. Blackwell already has five tackles, one pass deflection, and one fumble recovery this season, along with four kickoff returns for 85 yards. He’s been on 80% of the special teams snaps in all six games, and that’s where he has built his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable aces.
Bears fans have seen this before. Two years ago, Blackwell returned a kickoff for a touchdown.
Last year, he blocked a game-winning field goal. When he’s asked to make a special-teams play, he delivers.
What stood out in Week 6, though, was how steady he looked in coverage. His preseason work in that area was rough, but with the starters around him, he looked like a different player.
And with the Bears sorting through cornerback play, there’s still plenty of attention on Tyrique Stevenson, Jaylon Johnson, and Malik Muhammad. Muhammad has played well, while Johnson and Stevenson have been inconsistent. Kyler Gordon’s return was a major boost at corner, too.
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