The Pro Football Focus grading system doesn't always jibe with the eye test, but they were in lockstep after the Cardinals' 24-23 loss to the Bears on Saturday night.
Cornerback Brandon Williams and safety Tyrann Mathieu were both named to the website’s “Team of the Week,” which recognized the best player at each position.
Williams had the fifth-highest grade of anyone on the list at 88.3. PFF said the Bears quarterbacks went just 3-of-7 for 24 yards in throws that targeted the second-year cover man, and Williams finished with five tackles.
Williams struggled early in camp, but he's played well in the games. He had an interception against the Cowboys in the Hall of Fame Game and had a chance at two against the Bears. Williams drew an offensive pass interference on the first but bobbled and dropped the second. He is giving up a microscopic passer rating of 15.7 on balls thrown his way this preseason, according to Pro Football Focus.
Justin Bethel has the second cornerback spot pretty well locked down, but it's encouraging to see Williams turn it around after a sluggish start to the offseason.
Mathieu earned an 88.6 coverage grade and a 78.4 overall grade on the night. He was targeted three times and gave up a pair of catches for negative-one yard. He also had an interception on an out route near the goal-line.
Mathieu was the highest-graded cornerback by Pro Football Focus when he was healthy in 2015, and he's been that same player throughout camp.