Pre Offseason Defense
Defense time!
The coaching staff for the defense is going to be pretty consistent for next season. While the Bears were amazing in taking the ball away, the way teams compiled yards against us will need to stop if we want to contend for a Super Bowl. The time of possession will need to go down significantly as well which means the defense needs more 3rd down stops. Another glaring weakness is against running QBs. You would think our defense would have an advantage since they practice against Caleb! Honestly I think it’s more players being more disciplined in their assignments. Let’s get into some of the position groups.
The biggest improvement we need is on the defensive line. We need more QB pressures and sacks. There were times last season the QB could have sat down in a recliner and put his feet up before throwing the ball! This position may be the hardest to fill. I do think we had some pieces already, but one more established threat at defensive end or a game wrecking defensive tackle could really transform this group. The popular rumor is making a trade for DE Maxx Crosby from the Raiders. The Bears saw firsthand how much of a problem he can be for opposing teams. The big issue is his large cap hit and what we would need to trade for him. More than likely it would take a good player with a big salary (DJ Moore or Cole Kmet) and multiple picks (probably a 1st). He could be the missing piece we need, but it could weaken other areas.
I like our linebackers, but the injury bug hit this group really hard last year. I feel this is a prime position for drafting a player. I would be shocked if we didn’t. Tremaine Edmunds was fantastic early in the year, then he got hurt and he did not seem like the same player. His biggest weakness seemed to be in coverage. I think he will turn it around but his salary will be looked at very hard since he is going to be paid $15 million next season. TJ Edwards is our best tackler, he needs to stay healthy…plain and simple. Our other linebackers played well here and there, but if a plaumakimg linebacker falls in the draft and we already have a new pass rusher…look for the Bears to pull the trigger.
Our secondary was amazing at times. This position group may see the most changes though given some of the players will want big contracts and the Bears will not be able to afford it. There are other factors to consider as well. When healthy, our consistently best corners are Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. Nahshon Wright had a HELL of a year, but he will want high #2 CB money or even #1 CB money given his knack for taking the ball way (and lengthy 6’4 corners are rare). I don’t see the Bears keeping him because high salary demands unfortunately….and the question is will he maintain that level of play? The other big change will be both of our starting safeties that are going to be free agents. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both great players, but each of them have their issues. Kevin Byard was a ball hawk…leading the league in interceptions, but he will be 33 in August…what money is he looking for? Jaquan Brisker was up and down all year, but he can be a force (as demonstrated in the playoffs). He is also still young…but has a bad history of concussions that could cause him to retire early. I think safety will be another area the Bears will look to draft…and draft high (Caleb Downs?).
The defense will definitely have an overhaul. I also hope DC Dennis Allen gets better in some of his schemes. I would still like to be an aggressive blitzing team, but just want more consistent results!
Have a great weekend everybody!