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Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons they can make a long playoff run

By Carlos Nazario

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears downs Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings as he holds the ball in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 30: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears downs Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings as he holds the ball in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images /

This is a special defense

As I mentioned, the Chicago Bears had a very good defense last season. They were a top-10 defense in total yards and points allowed. This season, they are in the top five in both. Additionally, they’ve just shut down opposing running games. This season, they allowed over 100 rushing yards to an opposing team just four times. They’ve also given up just five rushing touchdowns all season.

A  big reason for the Bears’ defensive success is the turnovers. Between 2015 and 2017 the unit had a total of 24 interceptions. This season, they had 27. They also had an additional nine fumble recoveries.

Many say that the addition of Mack was what put everything together. Yes, he had an incredible impact, but he didn’t play all the positions on defense.

Akiem HIcks has been playing great defense since he got to Chicago but didn’t get the recognition until now. Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara have locked down the passing game. Adrian Amos is solid at free safety and Eddie Jackson is a turnover machine at strong safety. Roquan Smith will be on the All-Rookie Team and Leon and Floyd has been solid since recovering from his broken hand.

This defense can shut down any offense. They already played the Rams and stopped that high-octane offense. They won’t be scared to take on Drew Brees and company should they meet. The offense doesn’t need to score much for the team to win a game, and the defense can even help it out by scoring themselves.

Next. NFL Power Rankings: Eagles repeat magic, Vikings fall short. dark

As Riddick said, Chicago has all the pieces to make it to the Super Bowl. They’re also peaking at the moment. They’ve won nine of their last 10 games, even while suffering injuries to key players. The national media can underestimate them all they want, but it could be the Chicago Bears who get the last laugh in February.

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