Chicago Bears: 3 Keys to a victory over the Lions

The Chicago Bears pass rush must be a major factor

Another big difference between the 2018 and 2019 season was the Chicago Bears’ ability to get to the quarterback. Last season, the team only came away with 32 sacks. In comparison, the team allowed 45. Going back to 2018, those numbers looked vastly different. The team finished with 50 sacks while only allowing 33. Clearly the Bears offensive line must improve, but the defensive pass rush will play a bigger role.

When a team can generate a pass rush, it turns into not only sacks but maybe, more importantly, turnovers. In 2019, when the team struggled to create pressure, the Chicago Bears only came away with 22 turnovers. When the Bears were getting to the quarterback in 2018, the team created 45 turnovers. I do not expect the team to find its way back to that amazing turnover total, but the team must fall somewhere in the 35 turnover range.

Shipping out Leonard Floyd and signing Robert Quinn was one way to help. Quinn is known for his pass rush and when healthy he is one of the better pass rushers in the game. Couple Quinn with a top-three pass rusher in Khalil Mack and you have a recipe for havoc on opposing offensive lines. The front three with Akiem Hicks are dangerous on its own too. Unless major injuries happen, I do not see how the defense winds up with worse numbers than in 2019.

Putting pressure on and hitting Matthew Stafford will be a key to the team taking control, holding possession of the ball and walking away with a win in the win column. However, one other key factor could come into play.