Bears Defense Shines Amidst Injuries and Lack of Pass Rush
The Chicago Bears’ defense has faced a tumultuous season, grappling with a slew of injuries to key starters across the lineup. Despite this adversity, they currently lead the NFL in interceptions and takeaways, showcasing their resilience even without a formidable pass rush. According to Pro Football Reference/Stathead, the Bears sit at 29th in pressure percentage, struggling to apply consistent pressure despite employing the 10th highest blitz rate in the league.
Remarkable Defensive Performance
In a remarkable feat, the Bears have thrived on the back of their depth, having missed 40 games due to injuries to starters. They rank seventh in stopping third downs, allowing only a 36.15% conversion rate. Over the last three games, they have achieved the fifth-best passer rating against, further emphasizing their defensive prowess. Their latest performance against the reigning champions was particularly impressive; they held the opponent to a mere 15 points while forcing two turnovers from a team that rarely surrenders the football.
Creativity in Coaching
Coach Ben Johnson attributes this success to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, whose extensive experience at high levels of competition has proven invaluable. Johnson noted, “You can tell he’s done it for a long time at a high level. He knows who to sync into, he knows how to put guys in advantageous spots.” Allen’s ability to adapt and maximize his players’ strengths has been evident, as he has effectively utilized two players—Nahshon Wright and Nick McCloud—who were previously cut by other teams.
Allen’s familiarity with C.J. Gardner-Johnson from their time together in New Orleans has also paid dividends; Gardner-Johnson has recorded three sacks in just two games under Allen’s guidance. The return of Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon provided Allen with additional options, allowing him to tailor his approach based on his suddenly expanded resources.
Adapting to Injury Challenges
With injuries plaguing the linebacker corps, the Bears have leaned heavily on formations featuring six and five defensive backs, a strategy that came at a crucial moment. However, there is optimism as Noah Sewell and T.J. Edwards participated in practice Tuesday, potentially paving the way for their return. This could lead to a reduction in dime coverage, especially considering the challenge posed by Josh Jacobs’ running game.
Still, the Bears have managed to adapt, relying on a practice squad linebacker and a special teams player to fill gaps left by injuries to their top four linebackers. While Tyrique Stevenson remains sidelined, Wright has stepped up to fill the void.
A Positive Mindset
Johnson emphasized the collective mentality within the organization, stating, “For the entire building, I give them all credit, there is no ‘woe is me.’ We don’t have this or we don’t have that. No, that’s not the case whatsoever. It’s, we’ve got really good players. Let’s find a way to make this thing work with who we have.”
As the Bears inch closer to fielding a full squad, there’s confidence that they will continue to navigate the challenges ahead, just as they have throughout the season. The spirit of adaptability and resilience remains at the heart of this evolving Bears defense, promising an exciting journey as they push forward in the season.
