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Ranking Chicago Bears defensive players

By Parker Hurley

CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 18: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes past Riley Reiff #71 of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 18, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 25-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 18: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes past Riley Reiff #71 of the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on November 18, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 25-20. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears reacts after recording a sack during the second quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears reacts after recording a sack during the second quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 9, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

4. Roquan Smith

This one also may stir up some noise. It could be questionable to some to throw Smith over Trevathan that quick. However, the eye test had me thinking it and the numbers back it up. Roquan Smith has been a stud this season.

Smith has played in 81% of the team’s snaps. While he has been off of the field at times with Trevathan staying on, Smith has also taken over play calling for particular games.

Still, Smith has been able to cut loose and find the football, and in that area, he has excelled. He has 82 tackles, six going for loss with four quarterback hits. He also has a forced fumble, two passes defended and four sacks.

Roquan Smith has typically been asked to defend running backs. It should be worth noting that the Bears rank 8th in efficiency on passes to running backs. Smith has been targeted 49 times. He gives up a lot of completions on passes to running backs, as they flare out to the flats. However, he does a great job of limiting yards after the catch.

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Smith has allowed 6.7 yards per attempt and just over two yards after the catch per reception. When Smith is on the field, the team has a 37% success rate against the run and 47% success rate against the pass. When he is on the sidelines, the Bears allow a 50% success rate against the run and 54% success rate against the pass. These are the most significant splits of any player seeing considerable playing time.

Roquan Smith is making an immediate impact and is continuing to improve every week.

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