Schizophrenic’s Guide: New-Look Bears Defense…

I, Daniel Trump, am an obsessive Chicago Bears fan. I watch podcasts about the Chicago Bears almost every day. I know the names of the players at just about every position. Last year I thought that we were going places. We had a new coach, a great new GM, and a young quarterback with worlds of potential. We had a historically legendary defense and some great players.

We went 3–14.

We went 3–14 because, let’s be honest right now, the defense sucked. It didn’t do its job to stop the opposing team from scoring. That’s why we lost all those games. The run defense wasn’t there — the defensive tackles didn’t play well enough and neither did the linebackers at run support. The pass defense couldn’t succeed because the defensive line couldn’t rush the passer and because they had to defend the run. They also traded away three people from their front seven — Robert Quinn, Khalil Mack, and Roquan Smith.

Flash forward to free agency.

The Bears signed two linebackers immediately, Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. These two each had over a hundred tackles regularly for their respective teams — good teams, the Eagles and the Bills. They are talented at stopping the run and covering the middle of the field in pass defense. They signed a big, hulking nose tackle, Andrew Billings, to keep linemen off of them. This is a huge upgrade for the run defense. Roquan Smith’s departure was a catastrophe for the defense last year, and Edmunds and Edwards rehabilitates the linebacking corps to a strength. They signed DeMarcus Walker and eventually — in August — they signed Yannick Ngakoue in free agency to upgrade the defensive line’s pass rush. They also signed Terell Lewis — who didn’t do much because of injuries in St. Louis but who has flashed well in training camp and the first preseason game.

Flash forward to April and the draft.

In the second round the Bears selected Gervon Dexter Sr. and Tyrique Stevenson. Dexter is a three-technique defensive tackle who can disrupt the middle of the offense and stuff the run and rush the passer. He upgrades the interior of the defensive line. Tyrique Stevenson is a cornerback who already played well last Saturday in the first preseason game. He had a pass breakup and a number of good tackles, especially on quick passes to the flat. He’s a more physical corner than most people.

In the third round the Bears picked Zacch Pickens who already had a sack and a tackle for a loss in the first preseason game. He already showed that he can dominate and make a difference in the interior of the line. Travis Bell, a seventh-round pick, is also a defensive tackle. Having three new d-tackles selected in the draft upgrades the position massively.

In the fifth round the Bears selected Noah Sewell and Terell Smith. Noah Sewell is a linebacker — the Bears need depth. The Bears need depth everywhere, and Sewell helps the linebacker room. Smith helps if a corner gets injured. They will play special teams.

That leaves Kendall Williamson — a seventh-round pick safety — and Rasheem Green, a defensive end signed in free agency.

These changes help the Bears to play more effective defense. How much more effective? We don’t know yet, but the Bears had eight sacks and forced multiple turnovers in the first preseason game against the Titans. Last year the Bears had virtually no pass rush, and the coaching was definitely there this year. They improved the team’s desire, tactics, and energy on the defensive line. Everything looks much improved.

The secondary has some nice pieces, too. Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker should be good safeties. Kyler Gordon is an excellent nickel corner after an up-and-down first season, and Jaylon Johnson is a good cover corner. He may not be the best in the league at interceptions, but he can shut down most opposing receivers.

The Bears will not be the worst defense in the league again this year. They will be better. The question is: how much better? We will find out when the season starts against the Packers and then the Buccaneers. If Jordan Love and whoever plays for Tampa Bay can each score twenty-five points against the Bears it will be a very long season. If the Bears hold both teams below twenty and give the offense a chance then…Bear down.

Thanks, and take care, friends.