The Chicago Bears have kicked off training camp, where both returning and new faces to the roster have arrived at Halas Hall to begin preparation for the 2020 season. Obviously, the 2019 season didn’t go as planned for the Bears. But the hope is that, with some of the changes made this offseason, that Chicago can prove that last season was more of an anomaly than a trend.
Continuing with the defense and special teams, there’s a lot less change when compared to the offense. Although there are two starting jobs in the secondary up for grabs and the absence of nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out of the 2020 season, looms large.
We surveyed every unit on the Bears defense and special teams to decide if they project to be better or worse in 2020, or if we can expect more of the same:
Defensive line
Gained:
- NT John Jenkins
- DE Brent Urban
- DT Trevon McSwain (rookie)
- DT Lee Autry (rookie)
Lost:
- NT Eddie Goldman (COVID-19 opt-out)
- DT Nick Williams
- DT Jonathan Bullard
The loss of nose tackle Eddie Goldman is a brutal one for the Bears defensive line, which means they’re going to need some young guys to step it up. Third-year defensive tackle Bilal Nichols is someone that has the potential to have a breakout year. John Jenkins, who returned for his second stint with the Bears, will likely step into the nose tackle role in Goldman’s absence. But there is good news on the defensive front: Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is returning from injury, and his presence is needed now more than ever.
The verdict: Downgrade
Outside Linebackers
Gained:
- OLB Robert Quinn
- OLB Trevis Gipson (rookie)
- OLB Barkevious Mingo
- OLB Ledarius Mack (rookie)
- OLB LaCale London (rookie)
Lost:
- OLB Leonard Floyd
- OLB Aaron Lynch
There’s no doubt that Chicago upgraded their pass rush this offseason with the addition of former All-Pro Robert Quinn, who is coming off an 11.5-sack season with the Dallas Cowboys. Not to mention the Bears still have a little someone known as Khalil Mack, who isn’t happy with his performance last season. Which is not good for his opponents. The pairing of Mack and Quinn is going to be something to watch, as should be the new reserves behind them in fifth-round rookie Trevis Gipson and veteran Barkevious Mingo.
The verdict: Upgrade
Inside Linebackers
Gained:
- ILB Keandre Jones (rookie)
- ILB Rashad Smith (rookie)
Lost:
- ILB Nick Kwiatkoski
- ILB Kevin Pierre-Louis
If there’s one unit of defense that’s most concerning, it’s the inside linebackers. Not starters Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan, who btoh return from injury. Rather it’s the depth behind those guys that is most troubling. Aside from Joel Iyiegbuniwe, there isn’t a reserve inside linebacker that has game experience. And given injuries to both Trevathan and Smith last season, the lack of depth behind them is concerning to say the least.
The verdict: Downgrade
Cornerbacks
Gained:
- CB Jaylon Johnson (rookie)
- CB Artie Burns
- CB Kindle Vildor (rookie)
- CB Xavier Crawford
Lost:
- CB Prince Amukamara
Chicago returns two-two Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller to a secondary that will have two starting spots up for grabs. The Bears released veteran Prince Amukamara this offseason, and they’re looking to fill his spot with some unproven players. Whether it’s second-round rookie Jaylon Johnson, who could make an impact as a rookie, or veterans Kevin Toliver or Artie Burns, the Bears will have a starting cornerback that lacks the experience of an Amukamara. The hope is Johnson wins the job and proves to the six teams that took another cornerback instead of him why they were wrong.
The verdict: No change
Safeties
Gained:
- S Tashaun Gipson
Lost:
- S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
- S Jordan Lucas (COVID-19 opt-out)
While the Bears lost Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to free agency, it was almost for the best considering two-time Pro-Bowler Eddie Jackson is moving back to free safety this season. Jackson moved to strong safety last year to accommodate Clinton-Dix, but he didn’t have the same impact playmaking wise in 2019. That should change with him moving back to free safety with veteran Tashaun Gipson and Deon Bush battling it out for the strong safety job.
The verdict: No change
Special Teams
Gained:
- K Ramiz Ahmed
Lost:
- None
Not much has changed on special teams, aside from the faux kicker competition that the Bears generated to create a sense of competition for Eddy Pineiro. Without a preseason to go off on, Pineiro would have to absolutely bomb in order to lose his job at this point. So expect more of the same from Pineiro, punter Pat O’Donnell and long snapper Patrick Scales.
