10 questions emerging from the Chicago Bears win over the Las Vegas Raiders

The Chicago Bears won an impressive game against the Las Vegas Raiders, but this was always a game that they had a great chance to win, and we expected the team to have an upset possibility, considering they were playing Brian Hoyer. The Bears now sit at 2-5, so there are plenty of questions, even after a win. What do fans need to know?

10. Is the Chicago Bears defense really getting better?

The Chicago Bears are 2-1 in their last three games, and a turnover that led to a touchdown was the difference in their one loss. There is no way to deny that the defense has improved in the last three weeks. According to RBSDM, the Bears ranked 28th in expected points allowed per play through four weeks. That number was 0.076. It is down to -.121, and the Bears are 7th in this metric since week five.

They went from 29th in passing EPA to 14th, and they went from 14th in rushing EPA to 2nd. The question is whether or not this is real. We are seeing that a lot of teams can sack Sam Howell, while the Minnesota Vikings were without Justin Jefferson, and the Las Vegas Raiders played Brian Hoyer at quarterback. Beyond that, which of those rushing attacks have been strong this year? Is the defense better, or did they get to the soft part of their schedule?

It is probably a combination of the defense improved, and the schedule eased up. The Chargers rank 6th in EPA per play, while the Commanders ran 22nd, the Vikings are 19th, and the Raiders are 23rd. Needless to say, this will be a test worth watching.