Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams: Comparing, grading defenses

Secondary

Bears

Opposing quarterback rating: 78.5 (Best in NFL)

TD passes allowed this season: 21

Best player: Cornerback Kyle Fuller

Overall grade: A

The Bears, statistically, might be the best overall team in the NFL against the pass. Obviously, it takes more than just the secondary to make that happen. But, as of right now, Kyle Fuller is playing like an elite cornerback. He leads the NFL in passes defended (18) and has picked off six passes.

Eddie Jackson is the wildcard of the bunch, always coming up with the big play when it is needed most. In just his second season, he’s already totaled five defensive touchdowns since the beginning of the 2017 season.

Prince Amukamara is the perfect counterpart to Fuller, being the more physical of the two. Adrian Amos has played well on most occasions, and if he is considered the weakest of the bunch right now, the Bears are well ahead of the Rams.

Rams

Opposing quarterback rating: 99.7 (24th in NFL)

TD passes allowed this season: 26

Best player: Cornerback Aqib Talib

Overall grade: C

The Rams can be beaten through the air, but part of the reason why is the fact that cornerback Aqib Talib has only appeared in four games this season due to injury. Sunday night, he’ll be back and reportedly at full strength. When healthy, he still plays at a high level and impacts whichever receiver he is lined up against.

Safety John Johnson has been the best player in the secondary other than Talib, and he’s done a variety of things at his position. He has five pass breakups and three picks on the year, as well as a forced fumble. He’s had to step up in the absence of Talib, and for the most part, he’s played good football.

Marcus Peters has been flat-out bad in 2018. The Rams thought they were getting a big-time playmaker, but he has been torched on several occasions this season. In fact, Pro Football Focus has him graded as the third-worst defensive player on the team, out of a total of 27 who have taken snaps.