Health has been one of the defining characteristics of the Chicago Bears’ season so far. That is especially true on defense. Each of the first two games saw them without Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and T.J. Edwards. Three of their best players. It showed in a 21-point 4th quarter against Minnesota and allowed 52 to Detroit. Matters got even worse on Wednesday when Grady Jarrett, their veteran leader, was nursing a knee injury. It wasn’t limited to the defense, though. Running back D’Andre Swift was also limited by a quad issue.
Many might see this as just one disaster after another. Maybe in the immediate context it is. Then again, the Bears were terrible even with those two on the field. These injuries might be a blessing for the team. Why? It opens the door for the coaches to give some of their draft picks playing time. Seventh round pick Kyle Monangai has gotten occasional work already, averaging four yards per carry in limited snaps. The bigger one is Shemar Turner, their 2nd round defensive lineman. He hasn’t played at all since he missed much of camp with an injury. Jarrett being out would allow the Bears to work him into the rotation.
The Chicago Bears should start giving young guys a chance.
Head coach Ben Johnson sent another message on Wednesday that he is unhappy with the practice habits of several guys on the roster. Often, the best way to counteract such issues is by benching them. Give the jobs to guys who want to be there and are willing to work hard. Monangai looked good in training camp and the preseason. He has a skillset that fits well with Ben Johnson’s system, even if he may not have the explosiveness. As for Turner, he certainly has a great mix of power and violence. The Bears defense could use both right now. Getting those two on the field might not lead to great efficiency at first, but this team needs a jolt from somewhere. In such situations, a youth infusion is the best remedy.
