How the Chicago Bears can make the playoffs in 2017
The defense will finish the season as a top-5 unit
Currently, the Chicago Bears’ defense ranks 7th, in terms of yards allowed (301.3), per NFL.com. I expect this number to go down, as the season progresses. My reasoning? The unit is taking the ball away.
They have scored defensive touchdowns, in two straight weeks. There was the Adrian Amos pick-six against the Ravens. Christian Jones also forced a fumble in that game. The following week against the Panthers, Eddie Jackson returned a fumble for a touchdown, as well as an interception for a touchdown. Also, middle linebacker Danny Trevathan intercepted a pass from Cam Newton.
Not to mention, the defense has not given up an offensive touchdown in two straight weeks. Going into the season, many viewed the front-seven as the defense’s strength, while the secondary had question marks. Through seven weeks of the season, the unit is playing complementary football. Now, the secondary is providing such good coverage that the defensive line is now getting coverage sacks.
Even tho Christian jones and Eddie Goldman run into each other lol Akiem Hicks still sacks Cam and then honors @YoungWill79 w/ celebration pic.twitter.com/Ne3DC9bnQx
— Dustin Regan-Padilla (@dustinregpad) October 23, 2017
Since 2012, the defense has struggled at creating turnovers. Now, they have created five takeaways in two games. It’s a contagious mindset that seems to have affected every player on the defense.
As the Bears defense has once again started to take the ball away, after a 4 year vacation, I remembered this FOX video from 2012 pic.twitter.com/eLkmMo9mZL
— Dustin Regan-Padilla (@dustinregpad) October 28, 2017
The Chicago Bears will look to carry this movement tomorrow in New Orleans. Drew Brees will give the defense an opportunity to intercept a pass. It will be up to the Bears’ players on defense to make the play.