Chicago Bears defense has done a disappearing act

Under new head coach Matt Eberflus, the Chicago Bears got off to a 2-1 start this season. But Sunday’s 31-30 home setback to the rival Detroit Lions was the club’s sixth loss in their last seven outings. It dropped the club’s record within the division to 0-3. More significantly, the Bears’ recent issues are in stark contrast to the problems this team was having earlier in the year.

In their first seven games, the Bears surrendered a respectable 132 points and 15 offensive touchdowns. The pass rush came up with a dozen sacks and Eberflus’ squad amassed 12 takeaways – including eight interceptions.

But it’s been a far different story for this unit the past three weeks. Chicago has given up a whopping 114 points – 30 or more points in each contest – and a combined 13 offensive TDs. And to be fair, the club’s offense and special teams have contributed to that points allowed total. The Bears had a fumble returned at Dallas, a blocked punt vs. the Dolphins and an interception brought back on Sunday vs. the Lions – all for touchdowns.

And it’s also worth noting that Eberflus’ squad has just three sacks and has forced only one turnover during this three-game losing streak. The Bears’ inability to slow down teams on the ground for the most part has been a big contributor to the defense’s opportunities to get to opposing quarterbacks.

Yes, there is a lot to be excited about when it comes to improving second-year quarterback Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense in general. But it’s not going to mean a lot if defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ unit doesn’t get more stops. While the franchise may have found their quarterback for the foreseeable, the present shows that the 3-7 Bears are by themselves in the NFC North basement.