Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons They Go Worst To First

2 of 5

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears nose tackle Eddie Goldman (91) celebrates with Chicago Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins (96), Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and Chicago Bears linebacker Lamarr Houston (99) after he sacked Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) in the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Front Seven

People just don’t understand how much better the Bears defense got this off-season and it all centers around their front seven. They already had some quality players in place with Eddie Goldman at nose tackle and Pernell McPhee at outside linebacker. What they’ve brought in since could place this group among the best in the NFL. It starts with Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman, two of the most underrated inside linebackers in football, capable of running, tackling and playing coverage all day long.

Akiem Hicks brings a boat load of size and power to defensive end, which will instantly help a run defense that was among the worst in football last year. Where it gets really scary is what they got in the draft with first round pick Leonard Floyd and third rounder Jonathan Bullard because they add something the unit didn’t have last year: explosion. Respectively, the two may have the quickest first steps of any defensive players in the 2016 draft class.

That should improve the pass rush. This front is now young, it’s big, it’s fast and it’s athletic for days. Thrown in a maestro like Vic Fangio at defensive coordinator and it could be a bad day for offenses this year.

Next: The Wall

Home/NFL Hot Takes