Defensive Resurgence: Chicago Bears Are Turning Heads

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Bears’ defensive performance has been their ability to affect the quarterback. Another year in Allen’s scheme appears to be paying dividends, as Chicago’s disguised looks at the line of scrimmage continue to create confusion for opposing offenses. Quarterbacks are being forced into difficult decisions as they try to determine whether the Bears are sending extra rushers or dropping back into coverage.

Even more impressive is Chicago’s ability to actually get to the quarterback, a major weakness a year ago. After finishing tied for 22nd in sacks last season with 35, the Bears have climbed into the top 10 with 10 sacks so far (tied for eighth, per ESPN). Chicago has also been aggressive in its approach, blitzing at the fifth-highest rate of any team at 39.7% (NFL). The defense has complemented that pressure with creative stunts to open up lanes for the rushers to get home.

Several individual performances have helped fuel Chicago’s defensive resurgence. Dayo Odeyingbo has been impressive coming off the torn Achilles he suffered last November and leads the team with three sacks. Chicago has also gotten strong production from two rookies in the secondary: cornerback Malik Muhammad II and safety Dillon Thieneman, who leads the team with 30 tackles. These are just a few examples of players across the unit stepping up and making plays.

A sliver of credit should also be given to Chicago’s offense, which leads the league in time of possession, averaging 36:35 time of possession per game. Just this past week, the Bears had the ball for 42:45, leaving the Jets to only run 32 total offensive plays. Chicago’s defense has played the fewest snaps in the league this season at 192; the next-lowest total is 228. While those numbers shouldn’t diminish the defense’s improvement, spending less time on the field can help keep players fresh and allow them to perform at a higher level late in games.

It’s fair to stay skeptical that Chicago’s defense will finish in the top 10, where it currently sits. With this offense, though, it doesn’t need to. As long as the defense keeps playing excellent situational football and capitalizes on the opportunities in front of it, the team has the potential to make some noise this season. Chicago’s defense still has plenty to prove, starting Sunday at noon CT at Lambeau Field, where the Bears are favored for the first time since 2006. But the early signs of a turnaround are hard to ignore.