The Chicago Bears defense is back to its old ways. They are one of the best in the NFL. However, it’s a considerably different unit from 2018. That group was dominant against the run. This one is dominant against the pass with an even better secondary. It’s crazy how much star power this group has. Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Kyle Fuller, Eddie Jackson, Tashaun Gipson, and Jaylon Johnson. All have been outstanding. Yet their success has made it easy to miss another reality. Roquan Smith has arrived.
Is it too bold to say something like that? No, it isn’t. Seriously. The 23-year old didn’t just pick up from where he left off in 2019 before his pectoral injury. He’s playing even better. Through six games he has 52 tackles including seven for a loss. He also has a forced fumble and four passes defended. Quarterbacks have just a 66.9 passer rating when targeting him in coverage.
If he keeps up this pace, he’ll finish with 138 tackles.
That would be the highest total a Bears defender has produced since Brian Urlacher had 142 back in 2006. Just insane. It’s taken a long time for Smith to get proper recognition for how good he is. Now with the Bears defense back to dominating, the talks about getting him into the Pro Bowl should start right now.
His performance against the Carolina Panthers last Sunday offered plenty of evidence. Here are a few examples.
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Carolina couldn’t escape Roquan Smith
Play #1
It’s the 2nd quarter. The Panthers have engineered a good drive and are knocking on the door of a touchdown. It’s 3rd down and they are looking to use play action to get D.J. Moore freed up along the back of the end zone. Smith sees what’s coming and brings the blitz off the edge. He’s into the backfield so fast that the running back can’t get a clean block on him. This puts heat on Teddy Bridgewater who has to force his throw early. Incomplete. Panthers settle for a field goal.
Play #2
Mike Davis was supposed to have his revenge against the Bears in this game. Instead, he spent most of the afternoon wearing Smith as an extra jersey. In the 4th quarter, the Panthers are trying to drive to tie the game. They aim to get Davis the ball in the flat. Something that has worked a lot for them this year. Smith reads the play all the way and is in Davis’ face the moment he catches the ball. Minimal gain.
Play #3
Again the Panthers want to get the ball to Davis on a screen pass. It’s not a bad call. The setup is good and the offensive lineman gets out into space ready to block. There’s only one problem. Smith blew it up. He again sees what’s coming and reacts so fast that the blocker can’t get hands on him before it’s too late. Smith has the running back wrapped up before the play even fully develops. That is top-level stuff.
Remember this is all coming from just one game. There is a host of other examples from the other five contests the linebacker has played in this year. On a defense loaded with star power, he’s standing out more than ever.
Put Roquan Smith in the Pro Bowl, you cowards.