3 NFC North Stats that emphasize the Chicago Bears' work is just getting started

3. All 4 NFC North teams excel at getting after the quarterback

This goes hand-in-hand with the turnover prowess in the NFC North, but all four of these teams wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. The Vikings have been the cream of the crop getting after quarterbacks this season, making elite passers like C.J. Stroud and Jordan Love look pedestrian while absolutely shutting down others like Daniel Jones and Brock Purdy.

However, the other three teams in the NFC North are all in the top 11 of pressure percentage with the Chicago Bears currently fourth amongst their division foes in this telling category. Similar to the other stats mentioned, pressure percentage is yet another positive indication of a team trending towards the postseason with 7 of the top 11 pressure generating teams in 2023 having advanced to the postseason [Pro Football Reference].

The teams in the NFC North have been generating pressure in different ways though, which will make for interesting matchups when these teams all see each other this season. The Vikings and Lions are both top 5 in blitz percentage whereas the Packers and Bears are both in the bottom 10 in terms of blitz percentage. It will be interesting to see how these approaches translate to sustained success generating pressure over the course of the season [Pro Football Reference].

It's also worth noting that the three teams in the top 10 in pressure percentage that were also bottom 10 in blitz percentage all made the playoffs in 2023, yet another positive indication for the Bears if they can continue to sustain their current level of play when matching up with their division foes
[Pro Football Reference].

All in all, these first 6 games for the Chicago Bears showcase that their current trajectory would land them in the thick of the playoff race, and potentially NFC contention. However, they are in a division of teams that are all playing just as good in some categories, and even better in others. The Chicago Bears have their work cut out for them if they plan to convert this hot start into a real run to the postseason, but they deserve credit for setting the foundation that has created an opportunity that few outside Bears fandom expected coming into the year.