Could Chicago Bears run defense improve without Robert Quinn

When the Chicago Bears traded Robert Quinn, they obviously lost a legitimate pass rusher. However, in losing Quinn they also lost one of the biggest issues when it comes to run defense.

Quinn has never been a known run defender. If you remember in 2020, the team used to sub-Quinn out on run downs to play Jeremiah Attachou. In 2021, he had one of his best seasons against the run, but that has always been his weakness as he sells out to rush the passer.

This year ended up being one of his worst run defense seasons, and as you have seen the run defense has suffered. It is not all because of him, but he is the worst-run defender of any defensive lineman on the roster. Beyond that, teams just so happen to run at him more than any other lineman on the team.

To be fair to Quinn, he is not the only issue when it comes to run defense. Trevis Gipson has the same issue as Quinn and sells out to rush the passer without a care in the world for run defense. Al-Quadin Muhammad can struggle with power against the run, and then there is Dominique Robinson.

Robinson is a high-effort player, but sometimes his effort leads to him overshooting gaps and taking himself out of plays. He has not been a good run defender to date, but his upside against the run is infinitely higher than Quinn’s. So far this season Quinn has just four run stops and Robinson has eight. So, even if Robinson is taking himself out of big runs, he is at least making more stops as well.

With Quinn, you know it will not get better, but with Robinson, he is a rookie that could easily improve with more discipline. The Chicago Bears should be giving him the playing time to let him work out any kinks in his game.

With that in mind, the run defense will look to rely on Robinson to improve things. With Quinn out of the picture, and Robinson playing better, it could end up improving the group overall.