Somehow, the Chicago Bears made their already-dominant defense even better this offseason with some key acquisitions, returning some key contributors and making some adjustments. Though, obviously, we’ll have to wait to see how it’s executed on the field.
Following a truly special 2018 season, the Bears defense faced the challenge of acclimating to a new system under defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, as well as living up to the expectations they set for themselves.
While they had their share of struggles, be it with injuries, forcing turnovers or the pass rush, there is reason to believe that this 2020 group can be much better than last year — and possibly rival that 2018 season.
Let’s take a look at five reasons why the Bears defense will be better in 2020.
1. Second year in Chuck Pagano’s system
The Bears defense was always going to regress last season because they were just that good in 2018. In the first year under defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, Chicago’s defense had a solid season. That, despite some major injuries to defensive stars. Still, they allowed the fourth-fewest points per game.
Safety Eddie Jackson is expecting big things from the defense in Year 2 of Pagano’s system. There’s a comfortability for these players, where they know what to expect and everyone knows their job, as well as different guys’ roles.
“I feel like this Year 2 is going to be amazing for our defense,” Jackson said. “Just being here already understanding guys’ positions and where your help is, that helps you play more freely. That’s probably the biggest thing.”
2. They strengthened their pass rush
Chicago’s pass rush had its share of struggles in 2019. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack saw a dip in production last season, where he had 8.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures. Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who plays a big role in forcing pressure up the middle, had just nine quarterback pressures in an injury-shortened season where he only played five games. Then there was outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, who had a career-low three sacks and 39 quarterback pressures.
But with the release of Floyd and free-agent acquisition of outside linebacker Robert Quinn, the Bears pass rush immediately got an upgrade. Quinn is coming off an impressive year with the Dallas Cowboys, where he had 11.5 sacks, 49 quarterback pressures and the second-highest pressure rate of 14.0%. The Bears also get a boost with Hicks returning from injury this season.
3. Eddie Jackson moving back to free safety
After leading the league in takeaways with 36 in 2018, the Bears dipped to 19 last year, which ranked 22nd in the league. While Eddie Jackson didn’t have a bad season by any means, the Bears certainly missed his presence at free safety last season. When Chicago brought in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, they moved Jackson to strong safety, where he had two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
Jackson, who inked a four-year extension that made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL this offseason, thrived at free safety in his first two years in the league. He proved to be an instinctive playmaker with a penchant for the ball. During his first two years, Jackson tallied eight interceptions, 21 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and scored five defensive touchdowns, which garnered him All-Pro and Pro-Bowl nods in 2018 and a Pro Bowl nod in 2019.
With the arrival of safety Tashaun Gipson, the expectation remains that Jackson will return to free safety, where the Bears will be looking for him to return to his ballhawk form.
4. The returns of Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith
One of the reasons that the 2018 defense was so successful was that they were able to remain relatively healthy, which is part training and part luck. While there were some minor injuries here and there, they didn’t lose anyone for a substantial period of time, which certainly wasn’t the case in 2019. Chicago lost Akiem Hicks early in the season, and his absence was felt in the middle of that defensive line all season long. The Bears also lost linebackers Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith in Week 10 and 14, respectively.
Luckily, the Bears had some key reserves that stepped up in their absence. But it’s no substitute for the real thing. Getting a healthy Hicks, Trevathan and Smith back for 2020 — and returning to a defense with key contributors remaining in place — is going to be huge for this unit.
5. That front seven looks dangerous
When glancing at the Bears’ front seven, you can’t say opposing offenses don’t feel intimidated. I mean, just look at these guys they’ll be facing:
- OLB Khalil Mack
- OLB Robert Quinn
- DL Akiem Hicks
- ILB Danny Trevathan
- ILB Roquan Smith
- NT Eddie Goldman
- DL Bilal Nichols
On paper, that group appears to be virtually unstoppable. Not only do you have to contend with Mack coming off the edge, now you have Quinn coming opposite him and Hicks up the middle. Not to mention the ferocious presence of Goldman, who doesn’t get nearly enough credit in this league.
If this defense can stay healthy and perform to their fullest, opposing offenses are in for a rude awakening. And it’s one of the most exciting aspects about this defense heading into 2020.
