Do not blame Sean Desai for Chicago Bears defensive failures

Things have not gone the way that first-year defensive coordinator Sean Desai envisioned when he accepted a promotion. By most metrics, Desai has seen the Chicago Bears defense regress, and with a new coaching staff likely to come in, it will be hard for him to keep this opportunity.

Bears fans thought that they had the next star defensive mind with Desai and are disappointed with the results to date. While it is fair that Desai has had his issues, and could improve, it is hard to say that he has been a failure as the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator.

We have noted in the past that he has made many changes and tried different things. Some have worked and some have not, but he has shown the ability to adapt and not stay stagnant.

Beyond his scheme is the reality that no matter what he is calling, no one can save the Chicago Bears’ defense.

Let us look at the players.

On the defensive line, Akiem Hicks and Khalil Mack are missing. The duo is not just two starters, but rather the two best defenders on the roster. That is not easy. With depth issues on the edge, Bruce Irvin was second on the team in pass-rush snaps just a week or two after he was signed.

At linebacker, Danny Trevathan hardly played, and Alec Ogletree is another low-end signing, this one occurred at the end of summer. He entered the season with a question at the second cornerback.

Kindle Vildor was benched, Artie Burns gave up a few big catches, and they have shuffled Duke Shelley, Xavier Crawford, Marqui Christian, and even Eddie Jackson in the slot. Then, at safety, Jackson, Deon Bush, Tashaun Gipson, and DeAndre Houston-Carson have all missed time.

You can certainly blame the defensive coordinator, but you can also realize that he is working with low-end names. Jalen Tabor, Bruce Irvin, and Alec Ogletree were not the players that Desai thought he was going to need big performances from this season.

Desai has not been perfect, but he was dropped into a no-win situation.