Most of the conversations about the success or failure of 2020 start with the Chicago Bears defense. Yes, the quarterbacks are getting most of the attention. Yet anybody with common sense knows it will be that defensive unit that ultimately determines how far they go. What people aren’t entirely sure about is how good they can be this year.
In 2018, they were the best in the entire NFL. They allowed the fewest points and forced the most turnovers. They also collected 50 sacks. Then last season, things just never quite clicked right. People called 2019 a disappointment, which isn’t really fair. This is a group that lost Akiem Hicks, Roquan Smith, and Danny Trevathan to season-ending injuries. Prince Amukamara was also frequently hurt. Yet they still managed to finish 8th in the league. Given how little help they got from the offense? That deserves credit where it’s due.
Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic believes this group should once again be a force to reckon with in 2020. How good? He put the Bears at #5 in his ranking of every NFL defense going into this season.
“They have the potential to produce the best pass-rushing defensive line in the league. The combination of Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn on the edge will be as tough to block as any in the NFL. And Akiem Hicks (missed 11 games last season) is one of the league’s most disruptive interior linemen.
On the back end, the Bears need second-round pick Jaylon Johnson (or someone else on the roster) to be a competent number two corner opposite Kyle Fuller. They have Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson, and Tashaun Gipson could prove to be an upgrade over Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. A couple things need to fall their way, but this group has a high ceiling.”
Chicago Bears defense will center around health
There is no questioning the star power of this group. Six of the 11 spots will be filled by a current or former Pro Bowler this season. That isn’t counting Roquan Smith who probably would’ve been one if he hadn’t torn his pectoral last year. This is the central theme of 2020. Health. If this Bears defense can avoid any significant injuries, it is talented enough to take over games at will.
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Another factor is the loss of Eddie Goldman. The big nose tackle chose to opt out of this season over concerns of COVID-19. A decision driven by prior health history and the virus’ impact on bigger individuals. His exit is a serious blow to the Bears’ run defense. The easiest way to mitigate a great pass rush is running the football well.
Finding a way to plug that void could mean the difference between good and great for them this year.