Chicago Bears: What to expect in Week 7 game vs. Patriots
The Chicago Bears defense has to get to the quarterback
One of the disappointing things about the Chicago Bears defense is their lack of pressure on the quarterback. After ranking fourth in the league in sacks last season Chicago ranks 26th this season.
The defense has to pressure the quarterback to have some success. They don’t necessarily have to sack the quarterback all the time (though that would be nice) but they have to put pressure on him so he could make mistakes.
The Bears have a tougher secondary than they had last season. They rank 12th in interceptions and 14th in overall turnovers forced. That ranking was higher earlier in the season but without much pressure lately, the opportunities for turnovers are few and far between. Against a struggling Washington offense, Chicago failed to force a turnover.
The Bears’ front has to do its job. No matter who the quarterback is, if he has all the time in the world to look at the field he will hurt the defense.
Robert Quinn, who broke the Chicago Bears’ single-season sacks record, has been a disappointment this season. Last season, he has 18.5 sacks, 49 tackles (17 for loss), and 4 forced fumbles.
This season, however, he has just one sack, 7 tackles (one for loss), and zero forced fumbles. We could hardly tell that he is on the field.
Trevis Gipson, who did a great job in Khalil Mack’s absence last season, is having just a so-so season. He has 2 sacks, 11 tackles (3 for loss), and 6 quarterback hits.
Defensive coordinator Alan Williams needs to shake things up. He could perhaps use Dominique Robinson a little more. He has played in about half of the snaps that Quinn has yet has more sacks (1.5), more tackles (12), and more tackles for loss (2).
Robinson is supposed to be a project this season. The rookie is a converted wide receiver. However, he is doing a good job so far. He has earned more opportunities. Besides, the purpose of this season is to develop the young players. Quinn is not in the Bears’ future so why not give Robinson a longer look?
At any rate, the Bears’ front seven needs to pick it up and get to the quarterback. They need to force Zappe into making mistakes.