The Chicago Bears defense looked like a deer in headlights going into Atlanta last weekend. They’d just lost Montez Sweat to suspension and Dayo Odeyingbo to a quad injury. Two vital pieces of their pass rush were gone, with no clear answers on the depth chart. Going against that loaded Atlanta Falcons defense felt like a nightmare waiting to happen. So naturally, the Bears sacked Michael Penix 5 times. Much of the credit for that went to cornerback Kyler Gordon, who notched 3 of them as a lethal blitzer. However, they got a major unexpected contribution from Daniel Hardy.
Chicago’s long-time special teams ace was thrust into the spotlight on Sunday and delivered, collecting 6 pressures, including a sack. It was a totally unexpected performance. Remember, before that game, he’d logged only 47 total snaps on defense, collecting 6 pressures and a QB hit. This was his first start, and he put up the same numbers in 11 fewer snaps. Is it possible the Bears had a hidden gem waiting in the wings this whole time? We’re about to find out on Thursday night against New England.
How he plays could determine so much of what happens next.
Daniel Hardy might prompt a shift in Bears’ trade deadline strategy.
Right now, most people agree that the primary target looking ahead to November 10th should be a pass rusher. Names like Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat have already been connected to them in the previous few weeks. In a division loaded with notable quarterbacks, they have to find ways to get them on the ground. It comes down to what the cost of acquiring one of them will be. However, the discussion may change if Daniel Hardy has another strong performance in primetime.
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Anybody can have a surprise performance in the NFL. When you don’t play much, teams lack tape to study of you. That starts to change once you log snaps. Tackles get wiser about how to counter your moves. You can bet that is what the Patriots are doing with Hardy. If he can still deliver despite the opponent being better prepared for him, that will be a signal to the Bears’ brass. Maybe their edge rusher situation isn’t as bad as they thought. That could mean they decide to target a different position next month.
One has to feel good for him.
Remember, Hardy was a 7th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. After fighting to make the team, his season was derailed by an injury before it began. All of that momentum was lost, and he was eventually cut in August of 2023. The Bears really liked him. They saw a tremendous athlete with loads of upside despite limited experience at a small college. His special teams prowess alone made him worth a look. That part proved true as he’s become one of their best players in the third phase. Now he finally got to show everybody how much he has learned in the past three years.
If he can help the Bears slow down Drake Maye, he might earn himself a serious place in the rotation. That would then compel GM Ryan Poles to go hunting for help elsewhere, perhaps at cornerback. The team still has clear coverage issues between the struggling Jaylon Johnson and the injured Tyrique Stevenson. Adding a proven body to that mix might be the better way to go.
