Chicago Bears: 2018 Season preview, prediction and more
Are the “Monsters of the Midway” back?
The Chicago Bears’ defense was one of the few bright spots on the team last season. The team ranked 7th in passing yards given up, 5th in passing touchdowns given up, and 9th in total points allowed.
After the Bears hired Nagy, it was important for Pace to maintain stability in the defense. He went after Vic Fangio to try to convince him to stay. Usually, when a new coach comes in he has his own guys take over. Nagy understood how important Fangio was to the defense. While it took some time, eventually Pace and the Bears got their man.
In addition to re-signing Fangio, Pace made sure some key members of the defense returned. He allowed Kyle Fuller to test the free agent market as a restricted free agent. Almost as soon as the Green Bay Packers signed Fuller to an offer sheet, Pace matched it. He also re-signed Prince Amukamara, keeping the starting corners intact.
The Bears have Jonathan Bullard at right defensive end. Personally, I thought Roy Robertson-Harris outplayed him in the preseason, but having the two of them there is fine. Eddie Goldman is playing for a new contract so expect big things from him. Also, Hicks should have another string season with an improved defense around him.
The linebacker unit could become one of the top units in the league. The 8th overall pick in this year’s draft, Roquan Smith, held out and missed training camp and the preseason games, but he’ll be ready to go off the bench at first. Eventually, he’ll be the starter and have multiple Pro Bowls under his belt. Danny Trevathan is a great guy to play next to him, helping develop Smith.
If Leonard Floyd can stay healthy he’ll have a breakout season. Yes, I know that’s a statement uttered by many and we’re still waiting for it. He’s already broken some fingers in his hand, requiring him to start the season with a club on his hand. However, the Bears got another pretty good pass rusher to take pressure from him. Khalil Mack will be a fixture for the next decade and Floyd will be seeing fewer double teams.
The Bears signed Aaron Lynch to be the starter where Mack now stands. With his injury history (he already missed the preseason dealing with injuries), he’ll play fewer snaps. He had success under Fangio so he might do well again. Playing fewer snaps helps keep him fresh throughout the season.
Sam Acho, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Isaiah Irving, and Kylie Fitts round out the linebacker unit. This is a deep, athletic corps that can just keep coming at opponents and wear them down. A lot of those guys can move around and this is something Fangio loves to take use to his advantage. For example, Mack is a Pro Bowler not only at linebacker but also at defensive end. Fangio can use a plethora of different schemes and keep opposing offenses on their heels.
With the Chicago Bears putting a lot more pressure on the quarterback, the corners should have a better time intercepting passes. They recorded just eight in each of the last three seasons, all a franchise low. That number should jump considerably higher when they force opposing quarterbacks into mistakes.
Adrian Amos and Eddie Jackson should do well again. Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson provide a good rotation.
This is a defense that could be top-five, if not top-three overall. This defense will wreak havoc on the league and will keep the Chicago Bears on the playoff hunt throughout the season.