Five Chicago Bears who must step up vs the Lions in Week 4

Chicago Bears who must step up: Roquan Smith

This is one of the more difficult ones and a player who fans would likely not expect to see on the list. Smith is currently the best defensive player on the Bears, cornerback Jaylon Johnson could make a pretty good argument here as well.

Smith leads the team in tackles and has played essentially every snap for the defense, but last week he was torn apart by the Browns. He was targeted a team-high eight times allowing five completions, including three which went for first downs.

Is a win or loss more important for the Chicago Bears this week?

After a 1-2 start, what is more important for the Chicago Bears at this point? Is a win or a loss against the Detroit Lions more important?

Against the Lions, Smith will draw three tough matchups: running backs D’Andre Swift and Jamal Williams and tight end TJ Hockenson. If Smith does not improve in coverage, it’ll be a long day for him and the defense.

While he does have a pick-six on the season, the Lions rely heavily on their tight end and running backs in the passing game, as the Browns did in Week 4. It would be almost certain that the Bears will lose if Smith allows similar completion numbers on Sunday.

Smith should continue to be the teams’ defensive leader on the season, but he must continue to improve in coverage in a division stacked at the running back position.