DEFENSE
Opponent Scoring Efficiency
This is a somewhat complex category. In order to explain, it basically means the number of times an opponent has been able to put points on the board versus how many chances they got. So far the best team of 2016 at opponent scoring efficiency is the Philadelphia Eagles. In 43 offensive drives faced, they have allowed points on just nine of them. They, along with seven of the other teams in the top 10 have winning records. The Bears have faced 55 offensive drives and allowed points on 25 of them. That’s good for a 45.5% success rate and ranks them 28th in the league.
Rushing Yards Against
This is a problem that has bedeviled the Bears for years. John Fox said the essence of defensive football is being able to stop the run. He’s not wrong. Seven of the 10 best run defenses in the league belong to winning teams. The last time Chicago had a top 10 run defense? It was 2012. They finished 10-6 that season. So far in 2016 they are allowing 118.4 yards per game. That ranks them 24th in the league, though it is a small improvement from last season (120 yards). Injuries have played a part in the problem with key guys like Pernell McPhee, Eddie Goldman and Danny Trevathan missing multiple weeks.