5 reasons for Chicago Bears to stay optimistic after the slow start 

3. The Chicago Bears have been getting consistent pressure from the defensive line

One of the bigger concerns entering the year was whether the pass rush was enough to make this a potentially elite defense. Through three weeks, the pass rush has been anything but a problem. They currently have seven sacks, averaging 2.3 sacks per game. Last year, the Bears averaged 1.76 sacks per game.

The Bears' pressure rate is up from 18.8%, which ranked 26th in the NFL, to 25.3%, which ranks 5th best. They are doing that while blitzing over 8% less, down from 22.2% to 14.1%.

Montez Sweat remains a force and picked up his first sack on Sunday. He has opened the door for DeMarcus Walker to improve as a pass rusher, and Darrell Taylor looks like a fine addition. When you add in that Gervon Dexter Sr. is about at his sack total from last year, you have an improved unit. 

Right now the offense is letting this group down, but once the offense figures out, this pass rush with a lead can be lethal.