Great defenses always have that guy who sets the expectations for everybody else. For this latest incarnation of the Chicago Bears, that is unquestionably Danny Trevathan. It shouldn’t be a surprise. The inside linebacker has already played on one of the best defenses in NFL history, the fabled 2015 Broncos that basically won the Super Bowl by themselves three years ago.
He’s seen what greatness looks like and wants to taste it again. It would seem he’s starting to see the makings of it in Chicago. The arrival of Khalil Mack via trade from Oakland completely altered the expectations. Trevathan knew the Bears had the makings of a good defense as last year proved. Now? They can aim much, much higher.
Already through two games, he’s set the tone leading the team in tackles and also collecting two sacks. Their domination of Seattle in week two was merely a prelude of things to come. He not only feels they can be so much better but can take their place among the greatest Bears defenses of all-time. Maybe even challenge THE greatest.
Danny Trevathan wants his defense to shoot for 85 Bears territory
Adam Jahns of Chicago Sun-Times caught up with Trevathan to talk about his play and his expectations for this season and beyond. The linebacker revealed that it was team owner Virginia McCaskey, of all people, who may have planted the seed in his mind that it may be time to really aim high as a defense.
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“It’s just that feeling: confidence,” Trevathan said. “I remember what Mrs. Virginia McCaskey said about the ’85 Bears. She said they were so confident, it was scary. I want us to be confident, on the verge of cocky. It’s OK to be that. You’ve got to believe that, and you’ve got to work like that, too. You’ve got to show up. If you feel like that and we have that working, nobody can stop us, man.”
He said the defense has to prove itself every week.
“You’ve got to stay hungry,” he said. “Let’s take it on, man, and let’s be great while we’re out here. Let’s not go out there and [b.s.]. Let’s not just go through the phases and miss our opportunity to be great and bring this city back to life.”
There is a long way to go before this defense can ever be compared to the 1985 Bears. That level of domination may never be possible again. There are so many good quarterbacks these days compared to back then and the rulebook is far more in favor of offenses. That said, there’s no reason to think Trevathan’s expectations are wrong.
This unit has more star power than its had in ages. Even more than the 2010-2012 group led by Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman. As they continue to grow together, there’s no telling how high they might ascend.