Chicago Bears Mailbag: Leonard Floyd’s death spiral and more
By Erik Lambert
@RichardSchaad1
How big a part do you think that the refs’ allowance of blatant offensive holding is playing in the extreme change in the Bears defense? Do you think it is part of the new NFL? Is defense in the NFL becoming a second class citizen?
I don’t think the refs are primarily to blame for the Bears pass rush issues. Sure they’ve been bad with the missing holding calls the past two weeks but the fact is the Bears front seven isn’t winning their battles nearly enough. Mack is hurt. Floyd has completely vanished. Even Akiem Hicks can’t seem to get revved up. It’s a problem. As for the rule changes, I absolutely think the NFL limited defenses on purpose because they believe more points equals more money.
@nickdabears34
What’s your dream realistic trade for the Bears at the deadline?
The way I see it, the Bears are in sore need of one of two things. They either need a playmaker in the secondary or they need another pass rusher. If I had things my way the three names that stick out as possibilities based on the teams that are in clear fire sale mode right now are Patrick Peterson, Gareon Conley, Landon Collins, Olivier Vernon, and Markus Golden. There are financial issues presented with a number of those names but such things can be worked around. Anyone of them I feel would be huge upgrades to that defense.