Andrew Billings has become the unsung hero on the Chicago Bears' defensive line

Listed at 6’1” and 311 pounds, it’s hard for Andrew Billings to go unnoticed on the Chicago Bears' defensive line.

But, on a Bears’ defense with a shutdown cornerback, playmaking stars in the secondary, and a couple of linemates that can wreck an offensive line, the eight-year veteran subtly flies under the radar.

That might be coming to an end soon as Billings has carved up the challenges he faced this season with the ease of a sharp knife through a Thanksgiving turkey. As the Bears’ defense looks to extend its streak of holding an opponent under 21 points to 12 games, injuries in the secondary, Jaquan Brisker is in concussion protocol and Tyrique Stevenson is doubtful to play against the Jaguars on Sunday with a calf injury, pressure from the defensive line will be more important than ever. 

While Billings won’t be a 40-yard dash star anytime soon, nor will he be able to step in for Brisker or Steveson, the Baylor product can chip in and help out in coverage from time to time.

Watch him backpedal, turn, drop to linebacker depth, and then lumber toward Andy Dalton with the force of a cement truck barreling down an onramp on 290. Dalton swiftly made his way to the security of the sideline.

Leave Billings unblocked at your own risk

Versatility is an asset, but Billings' strengths are the ability to get upfield, stop the run, and chew up blockers. 

Concerned with Gervon Dexter, who leads all interior defensive linemen with five sacks, Carolina simply whiffs on Billings. Perhaps, it’s the linebacker stunt that confused the Panthers, but it’s Billings with the dogged pursuit that resulted in the sack.

On the season, he has a sack, seven solo tackles and a forced fumble. It’s a career-high pace for solo tackles. Billings, who had 22 in his second season in Cincinnati. If Montez Sweat, who has had a quiet start to the season with eight tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble, continues to see double teams and running backs staying into chip block him before getting into a pattern, opportunities galore are there for Billings to post his most impressive statistical season yet.