The Chicago Bears received good news on Wednesday as it was made known that defensive tackle Eddie Goldman plans to report to training camp on time. The Bears will avoid a hold-out with Goldman, who sat out last season due to COVID-19 concerns. With all the focus of training camp and the preseason to be paid to rookie quarterback Justin Fields, Chicago's defensive front seven could quietly make an impact this season.

Health Has Severely Limited The Bears Defensive Pass Rush Since 2018

One of the most significant and non-discussed aspects of the Bears' 2021 season has been the importance of their defense regaining their 2018 form. Just three seasons ago, Chicago won 12 games because their defense was the best in the NFL. The Bears under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio led the league in interceptions and recorded 48 sacks. Chicago's consistent pass rush is what led to more turnovers, whether interceptions or quarterback strips.

Since 2018, the Bears' defense has played well, but not great, as the team has finished with an 8-8 record the last two seasons and one playoff appearance. Through the first four games of the 2019 season, it appeared that Chicago's defense would repeat their 2018 performance as they recorded 17 sacks and allowed an average of 11 points per game. That would change in week five against the Raiders when the team lost Pro Bowl defensive end, Akiem Hicks, for a majority of the season to an elbow injury. Following Hicks' injury, opposing offenses were able to keep the Bears pass rush in check as there was no second pass-rushing threat would only produce 11 more sacks for the remainder of the season. Offensive lines were able to focus their blocking attention on All-Pro linebacker Khalil Mack would double and even triple-teamed by pass-blockers for the rest of the season. It was the lack of secondary pass-rush in 2019 that led to general manager Ryan Pace signing Pro Bowl linebacker Robert Quinn. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, many were excited for the potential pass-rushing team that featured Mack, Hicks, and Quinn. Due to Goldman choosing to sit out the 2020 season and along with the newly signed linebacker struggling throughout the season with a significant foot injury, the Bears defense only registered 30 sacks. Quinn recorded just two sacks while playing in 13 games during his first season with the Bears.

2021 Could Be A Surprise Year For The Defense If They Remain Healthy

With Goldman expected to report on time for training camp, along with Quinn having an offseason to recover from his foot injury, the Bears defensive could return to their 2018 form. Although the team released Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller in the offseason, if Chicago's front seven can generate consistent pressure, it could lead to more forced takeaway and better field position for the offense.

With Goldman anchoring Chicago's defensive line, Hicks and Bilal Nichols can create pressure from the defensive end position, but more importantly, make it harder for opposing offenses to block Mack consistently. If Mack does get blocked, a healthy Quinn could capitalize on limited attention paid by blockers. The former All-Pro has recorded four seasons of 10 sacks or more during his 10-year career.

The Bears defense could be a surprising force early in the season as many teams could underestimate them as their core has been together for three seasons. Although attention will still be on Mack, Hicks and Quinn could be forgotten in opposing offenses' game plans. With a resurgent pass rush from multiple Bears defenders, it could lead to a resurgence in takeaways from the secondary, including All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson.

As excited as Bears fans are to see Fields' rookie season, If Chicago's defense returns to its 2018 form, fans will instantly shift their focus. What made the 2018 Bears' defense work from a pass-rushing standpoint was that you had multiple people take advantage of Mack's presence during his first year with the team. Since 2019, no one has been able to step up due to injuries, but that can change in 2021 if everyone on the front seven can remain healthy.