The Chicago Bears are all the way up to number eight in the ESPN power rankings.
They were number 11 last week, and the win over the Philadelphia Eagles was enough to push them into the top ten. One of the big reasons the team is playing so well is Nashon Wright's impact.
ESPN listed Wright as their X factor that could impact the team down the stretch.
Chicago Bears found an X-Factor on defense
"Wright is a big reason the Bears lead the NFL in takeaways (26). The backup-turned-starter for 11 of 12 games is second on the team in interceptions (five), including the Bears' only pick-six. He also has three fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Considering the Bears' lack of consistent pass rush, they will continue to lean on Wright to earn extra possessions. Those instinctive plays, such as a forced fumble on the Eagles' tush push Friday, are keeping Wright on the field even as the rest of the Chicago secondary gets healthy at a critical time"Courtney Cronin
As Courtney Cronin mentions, Wright has been a walking turnover this season. From Week 1 through the most recent game, he has made game-changing plays and has given the offense life. What is so impactful about Wright is that nobody saw this coming.
He was a backup who had to step up because Jaylon Johnson was placed on IR. At first, it was seen as a negative that he was starting, but now the team cannot bench him. Johnson was back for the first time this week, but his running mate, Tyrique Stevenson, did not play due to a hip injury.
Stevenson may be out for another week, but there may finally be a time when all of Wright, Stevenson, and Johnson are healthy at the same time. That has not happened yet this season. If that is the case, it will be hard for the Bears to bench Wright.
Johnson was once an All-Pro cornerback, so it is starting to look pretty clear that Stevenson may remain the odd man out. He has played better, but is the most up-and-down of the three, and has the highest propensity to give up big plays, without the threat of the big play that Wright is providing.
For a team that once had such bad cornerback play that the Detroit Lions put up 52 points on them, to debating which up-and-coming cornerback the team needs to bench, it is impressive to see what the room has evolved into.
Read more: Ryan Poles’ biggest offseason trade keeps looking better and better
If Wright can continue to play well while Johnson and Kyler Gordon find their footing and get healthy, the Bears' defense could be much better than some think heading into the playoffs.