These three Chicago Bears laid a dud versus the Ravens in Week 11

Chicago Bears Week 11 Dud No. 2: Chicago Bears Run Defense

Talking about a specific position that played poorly today was the Chicago Bears’ run defense, specifically the defensive line. While they were great at getting to the quarterback today, they were outmatched in the run game. I

t was not a bad performance, but it clearly kept the Ravens offense in a rhythm, especially when the Ravens would use a first down run to get a second and four or five. There were no big runs allowed today, and both Tyler Huntley and Devonta Freeman were held in check in terms of yardage. Still, the run defense just was not there today and a better effort would have dramatically changed this game.

The Ravens relied heavily on the running game today. The average per carry statistics were low, and again there were no big run plays that gashed the defense. Watching the game, though, you can see how the Ravens offensive line had more energy and effort in certain situations and dominated the line of scrimmage in the run game.

In a low-scoring, gritty game like this, the run defense needs to be on their A-game in order to force a backup quarterback like Tyler Huntley to have to throw the ball downfield rather than check down with easy passes all game. You saw how the Bears were able to get to the quarterback on third and long in this one.

The run defense made it easy for the Ravens to put together long drives and easy first downs, which plays into their hand today as they had to make a simple game-plan for their backup QB. They were outplayed on most drives, and while they held the running game in check, they did not do enough to make the Ravens have to throw the ball deep. Too many short-distance first downs set up by solid early-down runs helped the Ravens to a gritty win over the Bears.