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Chicago Bears: Defense Headed in Right Direction

By Russell S. Baxter

Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) tackles Southern University Jaguars wide receiver Nico Talbert (6) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) tackles Southern University Jaguars wide receiver Nico Talbert (6) during the first half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Unfortunately for the Chicago Bears, the team from the Windy City has been blown out too many times the last few seasons. But things may finally be getting ready to change for the club.

We have seen it time and time again.

Every time the Chicago Bears have gotten off to a good start the past 30 years, especially on the defensive side of the football, there’s talk of comparisons between the current edition of the team and the Super Bowl XX Super Bowl champions of the 1985 NFL season.

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We are not here to make that egregious mistake. Led by Hall of Famers such as Richard Dent, Dan Hampton and Mike Singletary, it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime units.

Lately, you haven’t heard a lot about the defense in the Windy City, unless it was to complain about it. To say the franchise has had issues on that side of the football would be an understatement. Let’s just take a look at the past three seasons.

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox in the second half of their game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox in the second half of their game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Back in 2013, the club gave up the third-most total yards in the league, a whopping 478 points and 47 offensive touchdowns in 16 contests. One year later, the Bears once again finished 30th in the NFL in total defense, gave up 442 points and 46 offensive touchdowns.

This past season, there was marked improvement under new head coach John Fox and new coordinator Vic Fangio. Both gentlemen know something about getting to a Super Bowl. And they know there’s a formula that must include the ability to stop the other team.

Chicago did improve to 14th in the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game. But Fox’s club still allowed 397 points and 40 offensive TDs. The pass rush produced only 35 tackles – more than half of those by the trio of outside linebackers Lamarr Houston (8.0), Willie Young (6.5) and 2015 free-agent addition Pernell McPhee (6.0).

And the Bears forced only 17 turnovers in 16 outings – including only eight interceptions. That’s as many as rookie Marcus Peters (Chiefs) and Reggie Nelson (Bengals, now with the Raiders) managed in tying for the league lead in 2015.

But it has been a busy offseason for the club under second-year general manager Ryan Pace, who was extremely busy during the early days of free agency. And when you combine what the club did in terms of signing players and the team’s early work in the 2016 NFL Draft, you will notice a definitive theme.

Over the last month and a half, the Bears have signed defensive players and offensive linemen. The former includes inside linebackers Danny Trevathan (Broncos) and Jerrell Freeman (Colts), as well as defensive end Akiem Hicks (Patriots) and safety Omar Bolden (Broncos). The newcomers on the O-Line include tackle Bobby Massie (Cardinals) and a pair of versatile blockers Manny Ramirez (Lions) and Ted Larsen (Cardinals).

What a coincidence.

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) stiff arms Denver Broncos inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) stiff arms Denver Broncos inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /

Four rounds into this year’s draft, Pace has added five defensive players and an offensive lineman. The list includes outside linebacker Leonard Floyd  (1-Georgia), guard Cody Whitehair (2-Kansas State) and defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard (3-Florida). There’s also a trio of fourth-round additions in inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (West Virginia), safety Deon Bush (Miami, Fla.) and cornerback Deiondre’ Hall (Northern Iowa).

You could make the case that this was the most improved team in the league entering the draft. And let’s not forget that this was a team that finished 6-7 in its final 13 games following a horrific 0-3 start. Six of those setbacks were by seven points or less as Fox’s influence was felt in a big way.

There are some changes on offense as well, in particular the departures of running back Matt Forte (signed with the Jets) and tight end Martellus Bennett (traded to the Patriots).

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The Bears have not been to the playoffs since hosting the NFC title game in 2010, a loss to the Green Bay Packers. Fox and his staff seemed to push all the right buttons after a rough September and this was a club that beat the playoff-bound Chiefs and Packers on the road this past season.

The NFC North continues to be a very interesting division. And in 2016, the Bears (11-21) the past two seasons, will have a much bigger say in its fate.

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