Chicago Bears Defense Finding Their Groove and Stopping the Run Mid-Season

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty…

• The Bears defense started off very poorly, especially against Green Bay and Kansas City. They struggled with tackling, getting off the field on 3rd down, and stopping the run early in the season.
• The linebackers, especially TJ Edwards, have been a strength and have improved over the course of the season. The defensive line has also gotten better at stopping the run.
• Rookie cornerback Tyreek Stevenson has had ups and downs, with some pass interference penalties but has shown flashes of potential. Jalen Johnson returned from injury and has made some big plays.
• After a bad loss to the Commanders, the defense had one of its most complete games in shutting down the Raiders’ offense and forcing turnovers.
• Recently the defense has been playing well, getting pressure and turnovers. With the defense now healthy, there is optimism about their performance for the rest of the season.

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Hey there, fellow Bears Fans!

As a diehard fan, I gotta to keep it real about the ups and downs of our defense in the 2023 NFL season. There have been some growing pains, but lately this young unit has me feeling optimistic.

The Bears defense got off to an embarrassing start, giving up 27 points to the rival Packers in a week 1 home loss. The Green Bay offense moved the ball at will, and Jordan Love threw for 300+ yards against a Bears secondary that looked lost. Missed tackles and poor communication plagued the Bears D.

In week 2 against the Bucs, the defense looked sloppy yet again. Brady dissected the Bears for over 350 passing yards and multiple touchdowns. The pass rush rarely got home as Brady comfortably picked Chicago apart. Rookie CB Kyler Gordon struggled in coverage before leaving with an injury.

After these first two losses, the Bears defense seemed fundamentally broken. They couldn’t stop the run or get consistent pressure on the QB. Veterans like Robert Quinn looked washed up. It was shaping up to be a long season for the Bears D.

However, the week 3 thrashing by the Chiefs proved to be rock bottom for this defense. Patrick Mahomes torched them for 5 touchdowns, and the Chiefs gained nearly 500 total yards. It was as ugly as it gets for a demoralized Bears D.

But the mini-bye before week 4 allowed the defense to regroup, and the turnaround began. Kyler Gordon returned from injury and made an immediate impact with his athleticism and ball skills. S Eddie Jackson had one of his best games in years, forcing a key fumble against the Vikings. The defensive front found its footing, holding Dalvin Cook to just 2 yards per carry. This hard fought road loss to the Vikings showed the first signs of growth.

In week 5 against the Raiders, the defense finally put it all together. Led by breakout performances from LB Nicholas Morrow and DT Justin Jones, the Bears held Vegas to just 9 points and came up with several key turnovers. The rush defense was stifling, and rookie Jaquan Brisker nabbed his first career interception. This dominant showing revealed the Bears defense’s potential.

Veteran LB TJ Edwards has taken his game to another level this season. He has established himself as the heart of the Bears defense with brilliant run stopping and underrated pass coverage skills. The team’s tackle leader, Edwards is one of the most instinctive LBs in football.

Kyler Gordon has gone through predictable rookie struggles at the corner position. He has been picked on at times by opposing QBs. But his coverage skills and ballhawking ability have improved each week, and he has shown the raw talent that made him a 2nd round pick.

After being acquired for Roquan Smith, LB Avante Bond immediately emerged as an athletic difference maker for this Bears defense. His closing speed and aggressiveness bring a devastating new dimension to the linebacker corps. Bond looks like a foundational piece.

The leadership of veterans Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn was sorely missed after their departures. But the acquisitions of LB Montez Sweat and DE Robert Quinn have replenished the pass rushing talent. Sweat’s explosiveness off the edge opens things up for Quinn and the defensive front.

CB Jaylon Johnson struggled with penalties earlier in the year, but has reestablished himself as a shutdown cover man. Johnson’s ability to match up one-on-one with elite receivers allows the Bears defense to get creative. He held Justin Jefferson to under 50 yards receiving in their week 5 matchup.

After an embarrassing start, Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus has this group buying into his H.I.T.S. principles. The Bears have improved their hustle, intensity, and tackling each week. Eberflus deserves credit for the turnaround.

Holding the Patriots to just 10 points and 260 total yards in week 7 proved that this Bears defense has become one of the league’s better units. Both the run defense and pass rush have become dominant.

Up front, DE Dominique Robinson and DT Justin Jones have provided a major boost. Robinson’s athleticism is unlocking his pass rushing potential. Jones has been an immovable object against the run while chipping in QB pressures up the middle.

With difference makers at all three levels, the Bears defense is poised to finish the year strong. The arrow is pointing way up for foundational young talents like Gordon, Brisker, and Morrow. Veterans like Jackson and Johnson have regained their pro bowl forms.

If the development continues, emerging stars like Gordon and Brisker could anchor an elite Bears defense for years to come. Their quick development under Eberflus has been remarkable. The schemes and techniques are clearly sinking in.

Thanks to their rock solid defense, Chicago should remain in the mix for a wildcard berth down the stretch. This unit will keep the Bears competitive while Justin Fields makes strides in year two.

Rookie safeties Jaquan Brisker and Elijah Hicks have transformed the backend of the Bears defense. Their athleticism and playmaking have turned safety from a weakness into a strength. The duo patrols the deep secondary with authority and versatility.

The future appears bright for the Bears and their ascending defense. The young core has embraced Eberflus’ coaching and blocking & tackling fundamentals. With more talent and experience coming in, I expect this defense to crack the top 10 within the next couple seasons.

As a diehard Bears fan, I have to admit this defense has surprised me with their dramatic mid-season turnaround. The early season struggles had me worried, but lately they have been playing inspired team defense. As the Bears build towards contention, a championship-caliber defense could be taking shape in Chicago. The arrow is pointing way up.

So in summary, while not elite yet, recent performances from breakout stars like Gordon, Brisker, Morrow, and Edwards prove that the Bears defense is on the rise. The strong foundation is set for Matt Eberflus to mold an intimidating Bears defense that strikes fear into opponents. After keeping it real through their early struggles, this fan is pumped about the defensive future in Chicago!

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!