The Chicago Bears' pass rush has been a disappointment this year. Montez Sweat has turned it up recently, but outside of him, it's been way too quiet among the edge rushers. Dayo Odeyingbo has one sack this season. Dominique Robinson was actually outperforming him before suffering his high ankle sprain. That's how bad it has been. Yet for whatever reason, the Bears haven't looked to bring in any help aside from a recent depth addition, Jonathan Garvin. We may finally know why. It stems from the imminent return of Austin Booker.
That may sound odd. Booker had 1.5 sacks last season as a rookie. Expecting him to become a force for the defense upon returning from his knee injury is awfully bold. However, from hearing Dennis Allen speak at his Thursday press conference, the second-year edge rusher hasn't wasted any time. He has looked fantastic in practice over the past couple of weeks, picking up right where he left off in training camp. If this carries over in the game on Sunday in Cincinnati, the Bears' defensive line may get their much-needed spark.
Austin Booker carries a lot on his shoulders.
The Bears have high hopes for him. Though a 5th round pick in 2024, many experts felt teh Kansas pass rusher had top 50 talent. He is long, athletic, quick, and ferocious. The key issue was his slender frame and his general lack of power. It looked during the preseason like he'd solved the latter issue, pancaking an offensive tackle at one point. If he can put together a strong second half of the season, it might alter the Bears' approach next spring. Currently, their most obvious area of need is the defensive line, particularly the edge positions.
Austin Booker doesn't have to be a savior; he merely must show something. Anything. Given this front some life. They have plenty of power but no speed. That is where he thrives. The key will be whether the Bears can give him some good opportunities to rush, which hasn't always been the case this year.
