The Chicago Bears defense didn't bring their best on Sunday against the Detroit Lions. They very much looked like a unit that lacked urgency for most of the game, knowing they were already in the playoffs and didn't have much to play for. It was true across the roster. Sure, the #2 seed is valuable, but some may have felt the risk of injury wasn't worth it. Whatever the case, the Lions built a big early lead and managed to do just enough after surrendering it to escape Soldier Field with the 19-16 win.
It was proof again that head coach Ben Johnson could not put trust in his defense to get a stop when they needed it. The unit still has no pass rush and has also demonstrated an overall lack of explosiveness. Fixing this mess won't be easy. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and GM Ryan Poles have some tough decisions ahead. One thing is clear. The changes are coming, and they may go deeper than we think.
Players on Chicago Bears defense likely out because of age:
- Andrew Billings
- Kevin Byard
- T.J. Edwards
This may seem crazy, but you have to remember that turnovers can't hide the real issues. Billings isn't the force in the middle he was a couple of years ago. The Bears run defense is terrible. Byard doesn't have the range he used to. His turnovers have been coming from his outstanding intelligence and anticipation. As for Edwards, teams are picking on him a lot in coverage. All three will be in their 30s at the start of next season.
Cost:
Edmunds was playing great earlier in the season. His ability to take away the football was electric. However, he still too often doesn't seem to be in the right position, and that magic has left him since his return from injury. He will command over $17 million against the salary cap next year. That isn't worth what he's given the Chicago Bears over the past month. If there is a true cap casualty, it will be him.
Speed:
Versatility has been a big part of Brisker's selling point since being drafted in 2022. However, his lack of speed has kept costing the team at times all year. Faster players constantly expose him in the open field. San Francisco exposed that repeatedly. He will be a free agent this offseason. Unless he's willing to take a team-friendly discount, I wouldn't be surprised if he's gone.
Untouchable (for now):
- Montez Sweat - the only good pass rusher
- Jaylon Johnson - still their best cornerback
- Dayo Odeyingbo - cutting him won't help the cap
- Grady Jarrett - cutting him won't help the cap
The truth is, the team can't cut or trade anybody of the Chicago Bears defense listed here. Some guys will stick around next year. The team doesn't have the resources to replace them all. That means they must be careful about who they keep. Sweat and Johnson are still their best players. They could cut Dayo and Jarrett, but it would result in a mountain of dead money for little return. Next year will be focused on two goals.
Find another pass rusher and improve the overall team speed. Maybe they can score some unexpected bargains in free agency, but these changes need to happen.
