The Chicago Bears defense has played terrific football most of the season. However, it is hard to keep doing that once you start losing key pieces. They already came into Sunday without Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, and Montez Sweat. Their absence showed in the Bears’ inability to stop the run. Arizona had little trouble moving the ball. Things couldn’t possibly get any worse. So naturally, that is exactly what happened. Stud nose tackle Andrew Billings, who has been a crucial part of this unit since last season, exited the game with a chest injury.
Only a few minutes later, he was declared out for the rest of the game. Fans know two things from this. A quick statement like that almost always means the injury is bad, and chest injuries are usually pectoral in nature. If that is the case, it is a fair assumption Billings might be done for the year.
The Chicago Bears can’t replace Billings.
Their run defense was already a bit suspect. He was their best run defender on the entire line. Him going down could open the floodgates for the rest of the season. It falls on former 3rd round pick Zacch Pickens to help pick up the slack. Though known more for his interior pass rush, the Chicago Bears coaches have worked hard to help him learn the nose tackle spot. He has the talent for it. Whether he can learn how to play anywhere close to Billings’ level is the big challenge. The team will likely hunt for help on the free agent market. Maybe even a trade if somebody decent is available. Alas, in a season fast spiraling out of control, this feels rather fitting.
