The Chicago Bears defense hasn't had a fun second half of 2020. After such a productive start to the season, they hit one of their worst patches seen in a long time. It started with giving up 34 points to the Packers in Green Bay. Then they gave up 34 points at home to the Detroit Lions. Not until they smothered Houston, allowing seven points did they stop the bleeding. Yet amidst the frustrations, one player was constantly standing out and that was Bilal Nichols.
People were starting to wonder if the former 5th round pick would ever be able to build on his promising rookie season in 2018. Last year he was hampered by a hand injury. Through the early part of this season there were flashes but nothing consistent. That really started to change back at the start of November. In the past five games, Nichols has three sacks, four QB hits, three tackles for a loss, and an interception.
He has played some really solid football.
Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano was asked about this steady emergence. While the veteran coach got around to singing Nichols' praises, his answer got off to a bit of a weird start. He called the defensive end not overly flashy or sexy and then launched into a side conversation with himself about whether his mom or teammate Brent Urban would agree if he's sexy or not.Awkward moment aside, the words were true. Nichols has really started to play at a level people envisioned being possible for him two years ago. He seems comfortable in his role and is playing with energy and confidence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mLvcRb5j2M&ab_channel=ChicagoBears
Bilal Nichols brings hope for future of Bears defense
One of the persistent concerns for the Bears going into this season was the aging status of the Bears defense. Most of their core players are either in their 30s are soon will be.- Akiem Hicks (31)
- Danny Trevathan (30)
- Khalil Mack (29)
- Kyle Fuller (28)
The Bears had no such young group of talent back in 2013.
They should form the new core of the defense down the line. The one the team will be able to build around once the older guns like Hicks, Fuller, and Mack have moved on or take a step back. This is roster-building done right. One of the few things that people should praise GM Ryan Pace for. If nothing else, the man understands how to stack a defense.Comments
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