Adding Khalil Mack to this Bears team at the beginning of the year elevated the thoughts of this defense from “solid” to potentially “elite”.
According to NFL.com, the Bears ranked #10 in 2017 in overall total defense. On top of that, Ryan Pace locked up key pieces like Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara to long-term contracts to keep the defensive unit in tact for 2018.
Add in Vic Fangio staying with the team, drafting Roquan Smith at #8 overall, plus the development of the young players on the unit and there was no reason to project a step backwards for this Bears defense.
The only key question going into the year was, “Who’s going to rush the passer alongside Leonard Floyd?”
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Enter the trade for superstar, Khalil Mack.
Sources to ESPN: Raiders and Bears have an agreement in place to trade Khalil Mack to Chicago. Still working through it, but Raiders now planning to send Mack to Chicago.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2018
With Mack and Floyd, the Bears now had their dynamic pass-rush duo to wreak havoc on every quarterback that came into their path.
But up to this point, one of those players has not lived up to expectations.
Leonard Floyd Has Shown Regression This Year
After being drafted #9 overall in 2016, Floyd went on to have a solid rookie year. He amassed 7 sacks in 12 games and showed signs of a potential superstar pass-rusher. (We all remember his sack and forced fumble against Aaron Rodgers)
He battled back from injuries in 2017 and went on to play in 10 games before injuring his knee and being shut down for the season. He finished that season with 4.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.
This year was going to be the year that we would see Floyd unleashed. Having Mack on the opposite side of the field would demand double (or sometimes even triple) team attention, leaving Floyd with numerous one-on-one matchup opportunities to get to the quarterback.
However, things got off to a rough start with Floyd injuring his hand in a preseason game. He required surgery, but fought through the first couple of weeks with a club on his hand.
He’s now fully healthy, but has not shown the pass-rushing abilities he demonstrated his rookie and sophomore campaigns.
So far, according to Pro Football Focus, Floyd has only 4 QB pressures, 1 tackle for loss, 0 sacks and has been absolutely abused when asked to drop back in coverage.
Pats clear out right side for James White on Leonard Floyd; White breaks the bubble and earns separation for TD. pic.twitter.com/6hXV1Do5z8
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) October 21, 2018
With Mack nursing an ankle injury, the Bears need Floyd to step up and rush the passer from the outside. So far this year, we’ve seen nothing to indicate that Floyd is up to the task. He’s being out-produced by backup Aaron Lynch, who signed with the Bears on a one-year deal this offseason.
As a former Top-10 overall pick, Floyd is expected to step up and produce in a big way in his third season. There are no excuses now for his lack of production. He’s the secondary pass-rush option, the secondary coverage is there to allow him enough time to get to the QB and he’s gone up against some shaky offensive lines so far this season.
Khalil Mack dropped into coverage 18 (!!!) times yesterday. He rushed the passer 16 times.
Leonard Floyd dropped 13 times and rushed 13 times.
Honestly I have no clue what the hell Vic Fangio was thinking. #Bears
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) October 22, 2018
All hope is not lost for Floyd in this Bears defense. He’s still an incredibly talented athlete with the ability to be an effective pass-rusher. But he has not put it all together this season and has shown significant regression up to this point.
Floyd has no excuses now. It’s time for him to produce.
