Chicago Bears: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 16: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Green Bay Packers is gang-tackled by (L-R) Kahlil Mack #52, Akiem Hicks #96, Roquan Smith #58 and Sherrick McManis #27 of the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 16, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 28: Isaiah Crowell #20 of the New York Jets carries the football against Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears in the third quarter at Soldier Field on October 28, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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Back to the Chicago Bears’ defense for a moment and another area where the club made its share of improvement over the last few seasons. In 2018, no team in the NFL allowed fewer yards per game on the ground then Matt Nagy’s squad. One year earlier, the club finished 11th in the league against the run. In 2016, the Bears allowed the sixth-most rushing yards in the NFL.

The team is solid up front and it starts with an unsung defensive front led by Akiem Hicks and nose tackle Eddie Goldman. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), only three interior defenders own a higher grade than the one-time member of the New Orleans Saints, now entering his 12th season in the Windy City.

Meanwhile, Goldman ranks 12th on that same list. And both performers are in the Top 8 in the NFL when it comes to defending the run when it comes to interior defensive linemen.

All told, the Bears limited 12 of their 16 regular-season opponents below the century mark on the ground. But it’s also worth noting that the club surrendered at least 100 yards rushing in three of their four regular-season setbacks. Staying staunch against the run is what makes this defense a cut above.

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