The Chicago Bears have begun preparations for their Week 2 opponent in the Green Bay Packers, as the two teams will play on Sunday Night Football. Following Chicago’s 19-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers, there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the potential of the Bears’ defense. A key aspect to the defense’s success will be the even mix of veteran and rookie starters.
There Are Several Pairings of Veterans and Rookies on Chicago’s Defense
The defensive rookies drafted by general manager Ryan Poles during the 2022 NFL Draft had an impressive debut and contributed significantly to the Bears’ win over the 49ers. Safety Jaquan Brisker, cornerback Kyler Gordon, and defensive end Dominique Robinson all stood out as starters for Chicago’s defense during the game. Brisker recorded the team’s first takeaway after cornerback Jaylon Johnson forced a fumble on All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the first quarter. Robinson recorded one and a half sacks while Gordon was credited with six tackles and one for a loss.
Game 1 for 4 Bears' draft picks:
2nd round S Jaquan Brisker: played every snap, 4 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FR
2nd round CB Kyler Gordon: played every snap, 6 tackles, 1 TFL
5th round LT Braxton Jones: played every snap
5th round DE Dominque Robinson: 7 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 12, 2022
Although the Bears lost several key defensive players during the previous offseason, including All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack and Pro Bowl defensive end Akiem Hicks, Chicago still has few proven starters left in defensive end Robert Quinn, linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, and safety Eddie Jackson. Outside of Quinn, the other returning defensive starters made impactful plays throughout the game against the 49ers.
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Chicago’s defensive rookies and veterans benefited from working together, as demonstrated in the impact plays created against San Francisco. The 49ers made it a point of protecting quarterback Trey Lance from being sacked by Quinn, who recorded a franchise record 18.5 sacks last season. Due to the added pass-blocking dedicated to Chicago’s All-Pro defensive end, Robinson capitalized on several one-on-one blocking situations to sack Lance.
6. Again. Dominique Robinson was a WIDE RECEIVER in 2019.
In two years, he went from that to beating Trent Williams for a sack in his first NFL game.
What a find. #Bears pic.twitter.com/eUqIidDVWZ
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) September 13, 2022
The same could be said for the Bears’ defensive secondary, as both turnovers came from Chicago’s secondary players working together. As discussed earlier, Brisker recovered the fumble forced by Johnson punching out the football with the rookie safety contributing to Jackson’s interception later in the fourth quarter. On the interception, the rookie understood that the Bears’ veteran safety was going to jump the slant pattern the 49ers were running, resulting in the rookie staying back in coverage to defend the deep pass.
Chicago Bears rookie safety Jaquan Brisker said that he knew Eddie Jackson was going to get an interception right before the snap cause he knew they were in the right call.
"I knew Eddie was going to get a pick. He's a great safety. He's super smart."
(Via @ChicagoBears)
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) September 12, 2022
Chicago’s starting cornerbacks worked well with one another as they kept the 49ers’ wide receivers in check for most of the game. Outside of allowing two deep pass catches to Brandon Aiyuk and Ray-Ray McCloud, San Francisco’s wide receivers were limited to seven receptions for 71 yards. Gordon and Johnson did a tremendous job keeping a passing offense in check that features Samuel, who had only 14 receiving yards on two receptions.
The Continuity That Appears To Be In Place Is Huge For Chicago’s Defense
The defensive success on Sunday is impressive as this was a Bears team with a new head coach in Matt Eberflus that featured three rookies starting. With a new coaching staff and rookies starting on defense, mistakes are often seen that result in opposing offenses generating big plays. Against the 49ers, there was no broken coverage or missed assignments, as even on the two significant passing plays, San Francisco’s offense couldn’t score on those plays.
Kudos to #Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, defensive coordinator Alan Williams, and the entire defensive coaching staff. Chicago’s defense was swarming around the ball all afternoon.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) September 12, 2022
The rookies and veterans having a clear line of communication regarding defensive assignments and coverages this early in the season is rarely ever seen. For Chicago, this will enable the defense to play mistake-free football while building trust in one another, knowing that assignments will not be missed. The Bears’ defensive rookies can utilize the attention opposing offenses are giving to the veterans and use the lack of focus to generate more plays.
As Brisker, Gordon, and Robinson grow as players this season, it will also allow Jackson, Johnson, and Quinn to make impact plays on defense. There could be a situation in a few weeks where the veteran defensive end gets a sack because the opposing offense is more concerned with stopping the rookie rusher. Teams could be fearful of throwing in Gordon’s direction, forcing an opposing quarterback to Johnson’s side of the field, resulting in an interception.
.@ChicagoBears @BoJack4 with the biggest play of the young Bears season. They looked very well coached especially on Defense. Kinda reminded you of why the Colts were so good on defense last few years #DaBears #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/MoIh6iQy9E
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 12, 2022
There will be times during this season when Chicago’s defense gives up a vast amount of points and yardage to opposing offenses because of not having enough talent. Based on what took place on Sunday against the 49ers, it appears unlikely the Bears’ defense will struggle because of a lack of communication and trust between their rookies and veterans. Although it was just one game, Chicago appears to be heading in the right direction on defense because of an even mix between experience and youth.
All I wanna say is keep doing what U doing Bears, the potential is there. Show and prove. Let’s get it.
In response to “19 points wont cut it in todays NFL.”
Well, 7 points definitely didn’t cut it for Green Bay last week.
The defense will be strength of this team. Thats the goal for this season. Build a solid defense loaded with a ton of talent and players who buy in to the system.
Im not sold on Fields. The line looked unable to open running lanes which turned the Bears playbook into trash. This team needs to run. The Pack have a good defense. This will the real game 1. Last week is a throw away. 19 points wont cut it in todays NFL.
By Week 8, this will be a Top 10 defense. And, by Week 8, the offense should be humming, as the OL will be settled in with more continuity and Harry, Velus Jones, Smith-Marsette will be deeply involved in the offense by then. Stay Healthy My Friends, Stay Healthy!
On Jackson’s Int I saw something very good by Robinson. After doing his job then seeing the interception he immediately went into blocking mode after running to the point of the Int. No loafing there!