The Stats Show It: Bears Defense Has Solved Its Biggest Problem

People talk about the pass rush and coverage. Understandably so. The NFL has become a league driven by quarterbacks. Stopping them is top priority. At the same time, coaches continue to insist none of that matter unless a team can stop the run. The Chicago Bears run defense was, to put it mildly, porous in 2016. It was a big reason their secondary was exposed to the extent it was. All told they finished 27th in the league against the run, allowing over 121 yards per game on ground. People knew something was wrong when Ty Montgomery, a converted wide receiver in Green Bay, almost hung 200 on them. After that there was no doubt a point of emphasis going into 2017 was better gap integrity and better tackling. Control the line of scrimmage. Having their front seven healthy would be a nice start. Eddie Goldman is back. Danny Trevathan is on his way. Of course it will take more than them. It would seem the Bears knew that and have figured it out.

Bears run defense has excelled through two preseason games

If one were to look at the straight stats through the first half of the preseason for Chicago, they'd find positive signs. Currently the Bears rank eight overall against the run at 73 yards allowed per game. Of course that stat can be misleading. By and large it's how the first and second team units performed that matters since they'll actually make the team. So how have the Bears fared under those conditions? In total opponents have run the ball 22 times against their first and second string defenses for 57 yards. That's an average of just 3.85 yards per carry. As a team they've yet to allow a run of 10 yards or more. Sure it's only been two preseason games but considering they've done this without two of their best players (Trevathan and Akiem Hicks) on the field? That's progress.

It's clear the Bears are getting it done at all levels. If good health can prevail this season then there's every chance their run defense could become a strength for the team. Leonard Floyd would like that a lot. The more short runs they allow, the more third and long situations an opponent will face. The more third and long situation, the greater the opportunities for sacks. As always the defensive game is linked from one facet to the next. Chicago knows this all too well after many decades. Now the new generation has begun to figure it out.