There is no longer a question that the Chicago Bears are enduring one of the worst and most unusual injury plagues in recent franchise history. Rather than spread across most of the roster, it seems to have centered around the entire defense. Yet that isn't the craziest part. It is that the waves of losses seem to take out entire position groups at a time. First, it was cornerbacks, with Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson all missing the same game at least once. Now it's the linebackers.
T.J. Edwards has missed much of the season with various ailments, particularly a hamstring problem. This week, he was joined by fellow starters Tremaine Edmunds and Noah Sewell. It was quietly hoped that at least one of them might be able to give it a go against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Friday's update dashed those wishes. All three players are out, meaning the Bears will be trotting a full slate of backups against Aaron Rodgers at Soldier Field. The injustice of it all seems painfully familiar.
The Chicago Bears defense needs a minor miracle.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has worked wonders with this patchwork unit all year, generating the most takeaways in the NFL. Unfortunately, the last time he saw an entire section of his starting unit removed was in Baltimore, where the Chicago Bears gave up 30 points in a loss. That was against backup Tyler Huntley. Even at his advanced age, Rodgers is still more dangerous. Pittsburgh is almost certain to attack the middle of the field in this game, capitalizing on the linebacker crisis. D'Marco Jackson and Ruben Hyppolite don't instill fear in anybody.
Jackson at least has knowledge of the defense, having played under Allen in New Orleans for two years. Yet this is a challenge he's never faced before. Pittsburgh will likely look to run the ball a lot and feature their tight ends. Allen must try to counter by utilizing his mostly healthy secondary to create some exotic looks. If he can keep the Steelers to around 24 points, the Bears offense should be able to capitalize.
