The Chicago Bears defense is preparing to take on the New York Giants on Sunday. So this is going to expose them to some of the more notorious names in the Big Apple media. Particularly in regards to their radio personalities. None have been more notable, for good and bad reasons over the years than Mike Francesa.
For those who don’t know, the man worked for CBS Sports early in his sports media career in the 1980s and early ’90s. Around that same time, he began a foray into radio and in 1989 established the Mike and The Mad Dog show on WFAN. That show would remain a staple for almost 20 years before finally ending in 2008.
Francesa continued doing radio in new programs before retiring in 2016. However, it became clear he couldn’t stay away. Two years later he made his return. Some though think he’s lost the spark he once had. Either that or he’s gone insane. That much could at least be argued by this baffling take on the Bears defense.
The #Bears do not have a good defense, according to Mike Francesa. pic.twitter.com/hMsAH307fI
— Ƒunhouse (@BackAftaThis) November 27, 2018
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Chicago Bears defense is not just a pass rush. Not even close.
Do the Bears have a great pass rush? That much is obvious. They have 34 sacks on the season with Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith, and Akiem Hicks accounting for 16 of them. It’s a diverse and dangerous group. That said, to think they are the only reason the Bears defense is playing well is a simple case of fake news.
Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller leads all NFL defensive backs with five interceptions. Eddie Jackson, their dynamic young safety has four of his own and also has three defensive touchdowns. As a group, the Bears secondary has allowed just 11 passing touchdowns on them all season while intercepting a total of 10 passes and knocking down 19 others.
Certainly doesn’t seem like a group that is being carried by a great pass rush. Two of the games this year that the Bears allowed 20 points or less, the Jets and Vikings, were games they had a combined three sacks total. The opposing QBs in those games didn’t even reach 400 passing yards total, completed less than 57% of their passes and had two interceptions.
That doesn’t happen without the secondary. Further proof Mr. Francesa didn’t bother to do his homework.
