Chicago Bears: What Does the Defense Need?

The Chicago Bears’ defense was better in 2015 than it was in previous seasons, but it still needs a lot of attention this offseason from general manager Ryan Pace.

The 6-10 Chicago Bears finished last season ranked 14th in the league in yards allowed (345.4 yards per game) and 20th in points allowed (24.8 points per game). While it was a better showing than the defense former head coach Marc Trestman and former defensive coordinator Mel Tucker put-out on the field the prior two seasons, it was still an issue.

Head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio are big upgrades over their predecessors, and now the Bears simple have to find talented defensive players that fit their scheme (which is easier said than done).

The Bears run a 3-4 scheme that requires their down defensive linemen to control two gaps and stuff the run. As the Bears’ roster is currently constructed, only one player fits these criteria—nose tackle Eddie Goldman.

Goldman, a second-round pick last year, finished the season strong, and the Bears truly hope that he can be a building block on defense. He showed good strength and quickness last season, and if he can develop one or two more pass-rushing moves, he could be a force for years to come.

He was surrounded on the line last year by solid, yet unspectacular players such as Jarvis Jenkins (pending free agent), Mitch Unrein (also a pending free agent) and Will Sutton, just to name a few. While these players are serviceable, there’s no doubt that the Bears need to bring in more impactful defensive linemen this offseason.

It is a very deep draft for this position this year, and there could be very good value in the later rounds for the Bears to draft one (or more).

Dec 27, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) gets help off the field after an apparent injury during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Chicago Bears defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bears also need to focus their attention on the linebacking corps. Outside linebackers Pernell McPhee, Lamarr Houston, and Willie Young all played well in 2015 when healthy, but because Fangio likes to rotate the outside linebackers in-and-out so much, the Bears could always use another quality player for depth (a team can never have enough pass rushers).

The Bears biggest issue at linebacker, though, is on the inside. Inside linebackers Shea McClellin (potential free agent) and Christian Jones were average at best, and while the performance of undrafted rookie free agent John Timu was a nice story late last year, he’s probably best suited to be a backup. The inside linebackers in a 3-4 scheme are responsible for a lot, and fixing this defense starts with bringing in two new starters.

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99), inside linebacker Christian Jones (59) and strong safety Ryan Mundy (21) celebrate after a fumble was recovered by defensive end Sam Acho (49) in the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Furthermore, ever since Mike Brown left, the Bears always seem to have an issue at safety, and this year is no different. The Bears may have found something in last year’s fifth-round pick Adrian Amos, but the other starting spot is wide open.

Veteran Antrel Rolle, signed last offseason for his leadership and tackling skills, looked old when he was out there (he missed 9 games because of injury), and may even be cut; Ryan Mundy missed the whole season with a hip injury last year, and as an impending free agent, he doesn’t figure to come back; and 2015 undrafted rookie free agent Harold Jones-Quartey, who played okay late last season, is, like John Timu, probably best served to be a backup at best.

The Bears also have to address the cornerback position. Kyle Fuller was solid last year and should remain a starter, but his counterpart in 2015 – Tracy Porter – is a free agent and his stellar play last year may have raised his asking price to a level where Chicago doesn’t feel comfortable matching.

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Whether Porter returns or not, the Bears must also look to upgrade their nickel corner (incumbent Bryce Callahan was just average last year) and add depth.

In short, the Bears have a lot of holes to fill this year. Yet with nearly $60 million to spend and nine draft picks at their disposal, there’s no reason to think the Bears can’t bring in impactful talent this offseason to help them climb out of the NFC North’s cellar.

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