The Chicago Bears have been strong on third down, they will face one of the better third down defenses in the NFL on Sunday to test their true ability
The Chicago Bears are converting 42% of their third down attempts. That puts them in the top ten in the NFL. Compared to 34% last season, it is clear that Matt Nagy is doing something right.
However, when looking at their schedule, they have faced some rough third down defenses. They have faced three defenses in the top ten and are 16-41 against those three, a 39% conversion rate.
However, the Packers rank 10th and Seahawks rank 7th. Those were the Chicago Bears first two games of the season. A couple of weeks ago they faced the New York Jets defense who is second in the NFL in third down defense. The Bears were 4-12 in the game, a 33% clip.
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This is worth bringing up this week because the Minnesota Vikings have been the best third down defense in the NFL. Opponents are converting 26% of their third down attempts against Minnesota.
What is impressive about their success on third down is that they have faced six above average third down offenses. The Bears will be the seventh test they have seen that is good on third down So, they have faced tougher third down offenses and have fared better than the Chicago Bears offense has against weaker third down defenses.
It is going to be interesting to see how the offense responds. Mitch Trubisky has taken leaps in progression, but will be tested in the biggest moments on Sunday. There is no doubt that when looking at the box score once you see how well the Chicago Bears performed on third down, you know whether or not they will win the game.