Chicago Bears 2022 season in review: Grading the defense

Chicago Bears 2022 grades: Linebackers

In the offseason, the linebackers unit underwent some change. With head coach Matt Eberflus bringing in Alan Williams to run the same type of a 3-4 defensive scheme he had with the Indianapolis Colts, that meant there was a realignment.

Instead of having two linebackers in the middle, the Bears now only had one. The position of middle linebacker, the quarterback of the defense, fell to Brandon Morrow. Morrow came over from the Las Vegas Raiders as a free agent. Having him and Roquan Smith play together would give the Bears a good duo with athleticism.

That all changed in November, however. Smith had a contract dispute with the Bears. He requested a trade that Poles granted at the trade deadline. The Bears lost their best defensive player in exchange for draft picks.

With the trade, Morrow moved over to the weak side. Undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn took over at middle linebacker. Sanborn took advantage of his opportunity and had some good games.

In the five games he played after the trade, Sanborn recorded 54 tackles (5 for loss), 2 sacks (3 quarterback hits), and a fumble recovery.

Five games were all Sanborn would play, though. He suffered an ankle injury. Now, Poles and Eberflus need to determine if Sanborn did enough to have the opportunity to be a starter. Does Poles spend a draft pick to be a starter, or does he bring a veteran leader?

The Bears went into the season with linebackers with little to no experience. The players with the most experience were the starters, Smith, Morrow, and Matt Adams. In addition to Sanborn, Sterling Weatherford, Elijah Lee, and DeMarquis Gates. Not much experience there for the defense.

The linebackers did not provide much help against the run. The Bears ranked last in rushing touchdowns, 31st in rushing yards, and 27th in yards per rush.

Poles will need to overhaul the unit. He’ll have to go with free agency and the draft to bring depth and experience. Grade: C-