Film Study: Leonard Floyd’s concussion part of rough 1st quarter

Thoughts and observations after watching the film of the Bears’ 41-21 loss to the Redskins in Week 16.

Focusing on Floyd

Coach John Fox couldn’t pinpoint the hit that resulted in rookie outside linebacker Leonard Floyd’s second concussion of the season. But two plays stand out.

Floyd, who only played in the first quarter, lowered his head while attempting to tackle running back Robert Kelley on his five-yard run to start the Redskins’ second possession.

Floyd not only collided with Kelley, but with defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, as well. Floyd -appeared shaken after the play but stayed in the game.

The unfortunate part of the collision was that it didn’t need to -occur. It only happened after rookie safety Deon Bush failed to tackle Kelley in the backfield.

As for Floyd, one alarming -aspect of the play is how similar it was to the one that resulted in his first concussion this season.

In the loss to the Giants on Nov. 20, Floyd lowered his head to tackle running back Rashad Jennings. It turned into a helmet-first collision with Hicks and a brief stay in the hospital.

Floyd’s head also appeared to snap off the ground earlier when he failed to sack Kirk Cousins.

On the Redskins’ second play from scrimmage, Floyd jammed tight end Vernon Davis before having a free rush at Cousins. But he slipped and fell hard as he reached for him.

It was all part of a rough first quarter for Floyd. He also was caught flat-footed on running back Chris Thompson’s seven-yard touchdown run on a read-option look. It came seven plays after he collided with Hicks.

Second speed

The Bears’ secondary needs to get more athletic. The speed and quickness of receivers DeSean Jackson (five catches, 114 yards) and Pierre Garcon (four catches, 94 yards) led to significant separation on all of their receptions. The Bears also were slow in trying to tackle Jackson and Garcon.

Veteran Tracy Porter blamed himself, but he was limited with a nagging knee injury. He was in man coverage on Jackson’s 57-yard reception (Porter slipped) and Garcon’s 25- and 46-yard catches. Porter also was called for a 28-yard pass-interference penalty after Jackson got behind him in the second quarter.

Cornerback Johnthan Banks, safety Harold Jones-Quartey, linebacker Jerrell Freeman and outside linebacker Sam Acho also had Jackson and Garcon in -coverage.

A positive anyone?

Fox TV analysts called receiver Cam Meredith’s 21-yard touchdown catch late in the second a well-executed play. It actually was a fortunate break.

Meredith’s corner route was designed to run under Josh Bellamy’s post, but the two receivers nearly collided at the goal line.

The Bears still made a good call, though. Safety Greg Toler almost collided with the receivers but couldn’t turn to cover Meredith.