Chicago Bears run defense in another position to thrive

The Chicago Bears run defense has been able to keep most teams in check. They should have another chance to do that in Week Five

The Chicago Bears run defense may be surprising some in how well they are doing. So far this season they are allowing just 3.6 yards per carry, which ranks them eighth in the NFL. Sure, they have faced Jacquizz Rodgers and the group of replacements backs In Green Bay for two of these games. However, Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, and their vaunted attack were held to 2.8 yards per carry, and Le’Veon Bell, arguably the top back in the NFL who did have the best performance against the Bears to date, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. However, he did it to the tune of just 61 yards. The most rushing yards they allowed, 117 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was on 3.7 yards per carry, their third-best rate of the season. Those yards were due more to volume due to the Bears anemic offense than holes in the defense.

The Bears could see favorable matchup number three and a chance to keep the good vibes of this run defense rolling in Week Five. Of course, the news of Dalvin Cook is absolutely devastating. Some see Latavius Murray as a viable backup, but this is a major drop off. This season Cook has averaged 4.8 yards per carry, last season with the Raiders, Murray averaged 4.0. Last season the Raiders ranked 11th in adjusted line yards while the Vikings rank 14th so far this season. Cook has done more with less.

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The Vikings run blocking is the less unit compared to their run blocking. Eddie Goldman is healthy and playing his best ball at this moment. With the Vikings downgrading at running back, everything is in the books for the Bears to thrive on the ground once again. If they can force the Vikings into being one dimensional, they have a great chance at affecting the passing game with their run defense.