Bears' Defense Faces Reality Check Ahead of Playoffs
The Chicago Bears' defense has been lauded for its ability to deliver big plays throughout the regular season, but a closer examination reveals inconsistencies that could be costly in the playoffs. While the unit has allowed just 19 points in their final game, a 19-16 loss to the Lions, the nuances of this performance raise concerns about the team's overall readiness.
The Bears' defense excels at forcing turnovers, leading the league with 33 takeaways and allowing opponents to score touchdowns on only 56.1% of their red-zone trips – a respectable ranking 15th in the league. However, they have struggled in other areas, particularly against the run, where they've been outmuscled by opposing teams. Additionally, they've given up a significant amount of yards and points, allowing the 12th-most red-zone trips and ranking near the bottom of the league in pass rush efficiency.
"We're not perfect," said defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. "We can do better on certain things, but ultimately, it's about giving our team an opportunity to win." However, as the playoffs approach, the Bears face a stark reality: their defense must be more than just flashes of brilliance. It needs to be a cohesive unit that can execute consistently.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds acknowledged that the defense has "a list of things" it wants to improve on, including player execution and tackling in open space. The team's defensive backs coach, Al Harris, concurred, saying simply, "Take scheme out of it. We've just got to cover guys."
As the Bears prepare for their playoff game against the Packers, they'll need to address these weaknesses head-on. With the potential return of nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, who was limited in practice, the team will have some reinforcements. However, much of what they need is a more consistent and polished performance from the players on hand.
The Bears' defense can point to their ability to make big plays as a strength, but this playoff series against the Packers may test whether that's enough to carry them through the postseason.
The Chicago Bears' defense has been lauded for its ability to deliver big plays throughout the regular season, but a closer examination reveals inconsistencies that could be costly in the playoffs. While the unit has allowed just 19 points in their final game, a 19-16 loss to the Lions, the nuances of this performance raise concerns about the team's overall readiness.
The Bears' defense excels at forcing turnovers, leading the league with 33 takeaways and allowing opponents to score touchdowns on only 56.1% of their red-zone trips – a respectable ranking 15th in the league. However, they have struggled in other areas, particularly against the run, where they've been outmuscled by opposing teams. Additionally, they've given up a significant amount of yards and points, allowing the 12th-most red-zone trips and ranking near the bottom of the league in pass rush efficiency.
"We're not perfect," said defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. "We can do better on certain things, but ultimately, it's about giving our team an opportunity to win." However, as the playoffs approach, the Bears face a stark reality: their defense must be more than just flashes of brilliance. It needs to be a cohesive unit that can execute consistently.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds acknowledged that the defense has "a list of things" it wants to improve on, including player execution and tackling in open space. The team's defensive backs coach, Al Harris, concurred, saying simply, "Take scheme out of it. We've just got to cover guys."
As the Bears prepare for their playoff game against the Packers, they'll need to address these weaknesses head-on. With the potential return of nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, who was limited in practice, the team will have some reinforcements. However, much of what they need is a more consistent and polished performance from the players on hand.
The Bears' defense can point to their ability to make big plays as a strength, but this playoff series against the Packers may test whether that's enough to carry them through the postseason.
they need 2 work on thir tackling skills & get thier pass rush game turnt up 
cant let thier defense rely on makin big plays all da time tho, gotta be consistent 
& also gotta develop a plan 2 stop da run 
they got kyler gordon back tho so thats a plus 
but can dey execute? only time wil tell 
I mean, have you seen the way they were getting destroyed by those Lions? Like, 19-16 is not exactly the most reassuring score. And don't even get me started on their run defense - it's like they're playing a whole different team out there! They can't just rely on big plays to carry them through; they need to be solid in all areas. It's like trying to play Fortnite with a controller that keeps dropping - you need the whole kit and caboodle working together if you want to win. 
. It's not like they can't get it done, but those inconsistencies are gonna be a major problem against the Packers.
. and what's up with their pass rush efficiency? it sounds kinda bad 
. i mean i think its cool that dennis allen says they can do better on certain things, but how are they gonna fix this stuff before the playoffs? 
.
THEY CAN'T JUST Rely on TURNOVERS AND RED-ZONE TRIPS TO WIN GAMES, THEY NEED A SOLID GAME PLAN THAT INCLUDES PASS RUSH AND COVERAGE!!! 
. We need to see more consistency from our players, especially against the run 
But seriously, with Kyler Gordon possibly back in the lineup, that'll be a huge boost 
I mean, they've been getting those turnovers, but can they sustain it in the playoffs? It's gonna be a tough ask against the Packers and their potent offense 
They need to work on player execution and tackling, 'cause that's where the magic happens 
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! They're doing great in school but it feels like they're missing something key - that's what I see in this article. It seems like the Bears defense has those 'big play' moments but can't sustain it throughout a whole game 
. dont get me wrong, tremaine edmunds is a beast on defence 
but like al harris said, it's all about execution and coverage not just relying on scheme 
. gotta see how they improve before playoffs, wish 'em luck against the packers 
- 'cause consistency is key, you feel? 
they've got some guys coming back from injury, so hopefully that'll help shore things up