The Chicago Bears defense was likely the primary reason both Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace were confident this team could get back to the playoffs this season. It’s easy enough to understand that. The unit remains talented at all three levels with a boatload of experience to boot. Unfortunately, their assumptions/hopes haven’t worked out. After a decent start to the season, the defense has taken a significant step back.
Some would like you to think it hasn’t been that bad. Despite dealing with some significant injuries to guys like Khalil Mack and Eddie Jackson, the unit still ranks 13th in total defense and 10th against the pass. That of course doesn’t tell the full story. Ben Baldwin of ESPN illustrated this with an interesting stat chart he compiled. One that showcases opposing conversion rates for opposing offenses, both for first downs and touchdowns. Of all the times the Bears defense has been on the field this season, only 9% resulted in a field goal, 5% resulted in a turnover, and 10% resulted in a punt.
The rest? They were either a first down or a touchdown.
Defensive series results.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the Packers defense,,,is not good pic.twitter.com/j6YWehLQUY
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) November 15, 2021
Put these together and…look at the Cowboys! pic.twitter.com/VzDUqYWX2Q
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) November 15, 2021
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Translation? It’s easy to move the ball on the Bears and scoring touchdowns on them is easier than it has been in a long time. When watching them this season it is hard to deny the reality. Perhaps the most discouraging thing of all is their inability to close out games. Every time the team has needed the defense to get stops in the 4th quarter, they’ve been unable to make it happen. Chicago is 28th in the NFL in points allowed during the 4th quarter at 9.3.
Only the Colts, Dolphins, Raiders, and Falcons are worse. Not the best company to keep. If nothing else this could be evidence that a reboot is coming soon for this unit.
Chicago Bears defense is likely facing a youth movement
Age was always going to be a factor at some point with this group. Most of their core is into their 30s now including Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Danny Trevathan. Robert Quinn and Tashaun Gipson are also in that category. This feels like a unit that is playing out the last of its string. One would not be at all surprised if GM Ryan Pace or whoever replaces him begins unloading those goes in favor of younger, cheaper alternatives.
The good news is the Chicago Bears defense is not totally absent of building blocks. Roquan Smith (24) is one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL. There is no longer any doubt of that. Jaylon Johnson (22) is also emerging as one of the better young cornerbacks in the league. So they have a foundation they can build around moving forward. Don’t be surprised if they focus on their defensive front and cornerback spots this coming offseason.
It won’t be easy.
The Bears are light on resources going into 2022. No 1st round pick due to the Justin Fields trade and not a lot of spending money either. So the front office will have to get creative in how they approach fixing this issue. It may take longer than one offseason. Especially with Fields taking priority moving forward.
