This offseason has been filled with a ton of skepticism and criticism surrounding the Bears offense. Specifically how Chicago has handled second-year quarterback Justin Fields.
But lost in the shuffle is the Bears defense, which is going to look different in 2022. With the arrival of new head coach Matt Eberflus, Chicago is transitioning from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive scheme, and they’ve also lost a number of veterans this offseason.
While the losses of Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman loom large, there were some notable additions this offseason in rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker. Not to mention the returns of star linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who are foundational pieces on defense.
Still, CBS Sports isn’t feeling confident in this Bears defense, describing them as “somewhat unlikely” to have a top 10 unit in 2022.
Chicago was a disaster defensively last season, and while new head coach Matt Eberflus and a couple of early draft picks should help, the trade of Khalil Mack robs the Bears of their best pass-rusher.
It’s a fair assessment of this Chicago unit that’s coming off a rough defensive outing last season. But general manager Ryan Poles made sure to address the holes at cornerback and safety in the NFL draft with the additions of Gordon and Brisker. But while Chicago has upgraded at defensive back, there remain questions along the defensive line and uncertainty at linebacker outside of Smith.
While this Bears defense doesn’t appear to be one of the worst in the NFL, right now it’s hard to imagine them being a top-10 unit in 2022.
