If the Chicago Bears are going to rebound from a disappointing season in 2019, they’re going to need their defense to continue to dominate. Considering the Bears are returning all but three defensive starters and entering the second year in defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano’s system, there’s reason to believe that will happen.
There are a number of studs on Chicago’s defense, including outside linebacker Khalil Mack, defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, safety Eddie Jackson and newcomer Robert Quinn. Those players figure to play a big role in the success of the Bears defense this year.
Our Bears Wire staff shares their thoughts on which Bears players will be the team’s defensive player of the year in 2020.
Alyssa: OLB Robert Quinn
Robert Quinn has an opportunity to become a breakout player in his first season with the Bears. Quinn is coming off a 11.5 sack season with the Dallas Cowboys, which was the second-highest total of his nine-year career, and he generated pressure on 14.0% of pass rushes last season, the second-highest in the NFL. And given the situation he’s coming into with the Bears, there’s reason to believe he can build on that.
Quinn joins a front seven that’s among the best in the NFL, and he’ll be the direct beneficiary of lining up opposite one of the game’s best in Khalil Mack. One of the criticisms of former Bears pass rusher Leonard Floyd was that he wasn’t able to take advantage of having Mack opposite him. But given what Quinn was able to accomplish in Dallas, getting more one-on-one opportunities with Mack on the other side will give Quinn the chance to shine.
Brendan: OLB Khalil Mack
Let’s not overthink this; Khalil Mack is the most talented player on the Chicago Bears and will return to his All-Pro self in 2020. While his production certainly dipped in 2019, posting his lowest sack total and QB hits since his rookie season in 2014, he was often the focus of offensive line gameplans. With DE Akiem Hicks missing most of the year and former OLB Leonard Floyd continuing to be ineffective, Mack was truly the only threat on the defensive line for much of the year.
Now, with a healthy Hicks and OLB Robert Quinn replacing Floyd, teams won’t be able to allocate all their resources to stopping the perennial pro bowler. What’s more, Mack has been relentlessly training this offseason and isn’t pleased with how his season went last year. He’s a man with a chip on his shoulder, which should terrify opposing offensive tackles. Like in 2018, Mack will once again be the defensive MVP of the Chicago Bears.
Ryan: FS Eddie Jackson
Moving back to his natural position at free safety, Jackson is due for a big year after logging a career-high in-the-box snaps last season. That move was obviously to accommodate Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who has moved onto Dallas, which should put Jackson in a favorable position to prove that he’s the best safety in the league.
Don’t forget that the Bears will have Akiem Hicks back along the defensive line as well, which should create some errant throws, landing into the welcoming arms of the Pro Bowl safety. One area to monitor is how will Jackson and newly-signed TaShaun Gipson gel in the defensive backfield.
Greg: OLB Khalil Mack
Totaling 8.5 sacks and five force fumbles, it was still a productive year for Mack even though it wasn’t considered an elite season. Mack is getting help on the defensive front with the return of Akiem Hicks due to injury and the addition to Dallas Cowboys defensive end Robert Quinn.
When Hicks was out for the majority of the season, Mack was doubled or even tripled teamed most of the time. Now the opposing offense has to work about two other dangerous pass rushers next to Mack, so expect less offensive help on Mack. With the help on defense, Mack is going to benefit the most and should see his numbers increase heavily this season.
