Chicago Bears: Position-by-position grades through Week 4
By Ryan Heckman
Front Seven
I would split up the defensive line and linebackers, but they have played more as a complete unit this season. It’s tough to split up a well-oiled machine.
I don’t even know where to start, here. Khalil Mack has made all the difference in the world. It is amazing what one player can do to an entire defense, namely the other six guys up front with him.
Watching Mack attack the quarterback is a thing of beauty. But, what I encourage you to do in the coming weeks is to watch the other guys around him. Mack commands more than one guy on him, which has given freedom to guys like Akiem Hicks, Leonard Floyd, Danny Trevathan, among others.
The Bears lead the NFL in sacks with 18 after four weeks, but it’s been a collective effort. Mack has 5.0 on the season, which should come as no surprise. But, the Bears also have four other guys with more than one sack. Another five players have at least half a sack. That’s 10 players who have been in on sacks through just four weeks. Think about that.
The Bears have the no. 2 overall run defense in the NFL, giving up 64.0 yards per game on the ground. This group has led the defense to an NFL-leading eight forced fumbles through four games — now, for that we can thank Mack, who has recorded a strip-sack in all four games.
It goes without saying that this front seven is playing like the best in the league through four weeks.