Can the Chicago Bears’ Pass Rush Continue to Improve?
Going into this season, some had felt that Leonard Floyd could easily lead the Bears in sacks. However, that has not been the case, at least through the first five games. But he is second right now (behind Akiem Hicks). His path to the quarterback has been hampered by a couple of things this year.
Floyd’s speed and ability to drop into coverage have kept him from staying on the line to be used more as a pass rusher. That is one reason he is struggling.
Another issue Floyd has had is that he is getting stopped by offensive linemen when rushing the passer. Pass rushers need to change-up their moves to find out what works against blockers. They should have a few go-to moves that they can use to rush the quarterback and be able to change things up depending on who they are facing.
It would appear as if Floyd has a few more moves he needs to add or work on.
So far this season, Floyd has three sacks, 17 tackles with 12 solo and five assisted. He has the one safety he got against the Vikings and one pass defended.
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With Willie Young out, Floyd is going to have to step up and play better than he has been. He had somewhat of a coming out the other night but needs to do that consistently. Floyd is going to need the motivation plus the desire to play harder and make a difference. He should be up for the challenge.
Look for him to be able to get to the quarterback more often, especially if McPhee can ratchet up the pressure on his side and become a threat. That will send more blockers McPhee’s way and make it harder for opponents to defend against both players.
Floyd has the speed to get up the field quickly and we have seen this in some of the pass pressure he has had in the last few games. He just can’t finish and get to the quarterback. If Floyd could do that more often than he can become the pass rusher that the Bears hoped he would be.
It’s frustrating that he hasn’t been able to deliver consistently but his time will come.