Chicago Bears: 3 Reasons why the pass rush steps up in 2020.
By Jimmie Sykes
Chicago Bears pride and joy is the “Monsters of the Midway” identity. 2020 can be a new season of domination from their defensive front.
Following the aftermath of the Khalil Mack trade, the Chicago Bears look for another level that this defensive front can hit. In 2018, the Bears led the league with 36 defensive takeaways. Flat-out execution led to a more potent and responsive offense with dominance in defending the opposing rushing and passing attacks.
In 2019, the number of takeaways didn’t come as close. The bears entered the season with a stifling approach, only to be derailed by fatigue and injury. During Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano’s first year with the team, the Bears forced ten turnovers through five games. Chicago went 3-2 in the stretch, including the season opener in Chicago versus the Green Bay Packers. In the opener, the Bears had zero turnovers. Ten turnovers took place through four games.
In week five, Akiem Hicks went down in the loss against the Oakland Raiders, in which Chicago forced two turnovers. It was tough after losing Hicks for the pass rush to get back to the original dominating fashion. Along with other injuries and defensive inconsistencies, the defense made for nine turnovers in 11 games.
The acquisition of Robert Quinn, healthy return ofAkiem Hicks, and a hopeful emergence of the young, Bilal Nichols will make the Bears pass rush lethal. Add that on top of Eddie Goldman over the center and now we’re talking. How far can this pass rush take this defense?