Chicago Bears: 3 Potential defensive breakout candidates

Bilal Nichols could finally breakout for the Chicago Bears

Bilal Nichols was supposed to be a breakout candidate in 2019, but an early injury to his hand somewhat derailed that breakout year from happening. Nichols started six of his 14 games in his rookie campaign. He was able to generate three sacks that season and this is how he thrust himself into the breakout candidate conversation for last year.

We are back to talking about Nichols again for the 2020 season. Recent photos of him surfaced on social media and he has been cutting hard. Hopefully his new physique will lead to big things in 2020 because 2019 was full of regression.

Last year, Nichols started 12 games. He finished with one less combined tackle (27) than he had in 2018 (28) when he started only six games. He also was unable to generate a single sack last season. If we look at some of his more advanced stats, Nichols generated five quarterback hurries in his rookie year, but only two last year.

When we look at his pressures stats (combination of hurries, sacks and quarterback knockdowns) he was only able to generate four last season after generating 10 the year before in less games. He also missed 6.9 percent of his tackles after not missing a single tackle in 2018.

The Chicago Bears are going to need Nichols to return to his rookie form and honestly I think he finds a way to do so. Not only will he return to form, he has an opportunity to have a breakout season. I am hoping to see six sacks for Nichols as he establishes himself as a possible replacement if Akiem Hicks has to be shown the door soon.