Chicago Bears: 3 keys for defense’s success in 2018

What does the Chicago Bears defense need to focus on to continue their climb toward becoming a top-10 unit? Here are a few keys to success for the unit in 2018.

We all know how important the development of Mitch Trubisky and the offense are for the Chicago Bears to be successful in the coming years. As much as we love defense in this town, this team wasn’t going to compete for a title again until its offense rejoined modern society. With Matt Nagy, that unit has a chance to be special.

But, as I’ve said plenty of times before, don’t sleep on this defense. Just as with last year, they’re closer to being great than the offense. And after their 2017 performance, they could be on the cusp of a big year in 2018.

Truthfully, the crafting of Vic Fangio’s defensive unit heading into 2018 intrigues me just as much as the offensive revolution does.

They’re rebranding the linebacker position around speed and coverage ability with Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan. And fourth-round rookie Joel Iyiegbuniwe exemplifies those qualities as well.

They made moves to beef up with the front line by adding Bilal Nichols to a fairly young defensive end rotation.

The outside linebacker position added a few intriguing young members to go with Leonard Floyd.

And the defensive backfield that outplayed most expectations last season, led by Kyle Fuller, returns almost completely intact heading into 2018 training camp.

On paper, this is shaping up nicely for Fangio and the Bears defense. But we all know that the execution on the field is all that really matters. And the best-laid plans, especially health-wise, can go awry.

So what does the Chicago Bears defense need to do, other than stay healthy (which can’t always be controlled), to dominate in 2018?

Here are a few thoughts.