Forecast Points to a Challenging Year Ahead for Chicago Bears Defense
If there's one thing we know about the NFL, it's that defensive strength is as unpredictable as a hail-mary pass. The Chicago Bears are a testament to this truth, and their defense has seen a considerable overhaul this off-season. The team's General Manager, Ryan Poles, has made serious investments in defense, including bagging the three largest contracts in free agency and three of their top four 2023 draft picks. With these additions, and the expected growth of rising stars like Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon, it's not too far-fetched to expect the team's defensive line to be stronger than last year. Add in the continuity of a second year under the guidance of Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams, and the narrative points towards progress.
However, not everyone is sold on this optimistic forecast. Bleacher Report's David Kenyon doesn't mince words when he ranks the Bears as having the 5th-worst defense this coming season. Citing the team's pitiful performance last year - landing 31st in yards allowed per play and dead last in scoring - Kenyon argues that the road to improvement is steep. Despite DeMarcus Walker's promising performance, he doesn't foresee a dramatic leap in defensive prowess, primarily due to the squad's lingering issues with edge rushers.
«However, the 2022 defense set an awfully low bar. Chicago finished 31st in yards allowed per play and 32nd in scoring. Can't get much worse, really. DeMarcus Walker is the lone player who tallied more than 3.5 sacks last season. Given the current personnel, it's tough to envision a defense that ranked 31st in pressure rate creating more havoc. The limited amount of disruption may be difficult for the Bears to overcome. Chicago should be optimistic in the calculated approach that General Manager Ryan Poles has taken, but the promise of a brighter future still likely requires a trek through one more frustrating year."
The Bears' defense is unquestionably plagued with concerns - Walker's commendable yet solitary performance, Trevis Gipson's disappointment, and the glaring absence of a definitive three-technique. However, there are still reasons for optimism. The team's primary issue last year was their dismal performance against the run, which was ranked 31st. Their pass defense was mediocre, but not dreadful at 17th. Consequently, the team's heavy investments in the linebacker and defensive tackle positions with the likes of Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Andrew Billings, and Gervon Dexter should dramatically bolster their run defense, making it harder for opponents to utilize play action.
If the team's pass rush sees even a slight improvement, the Chicago Bears' defense could make a significant leap in effectiveness. A top-10 finish might be too lofty a dream, but a spot in the 15-20 range seems achievable. If the offense can also rise to the occasion, turning the tide on last season's close games should be within grasp. The defense doesn't need to be flawless this season; it just needs to be better. Whether it's a reasonable expectation or a pipe dream, only time will tell.
Previously on LetsBearDown
| POLL |
JUNE 19 | 42 ANSWERS Forecast Points to a Challenging Year Ahead for Chicago Bears Defense Will the Bears struggle on defense? |
| Yes | 16 | 38.1 % |
| No | 26 | 61.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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