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

Linebackers

Bears

The Bears have, without a doubt, the best group of linebackers in all of football. It is almost not even fair to talk about them in comparison to the Rams, because of how different these groups are. Obviously, everybody knows about Khalil Mack. He’s one of the best two defensive players in football — the other one we’ll talk about later.

Mack is borderline unstoppable. In fact, teams have been holding him every single week without getting called for it, and he’s still wrecking offensive lines. It’s hilarious to watch sometimes.

Danny Trevathan has been Mr. consistent all season. He is a do-it-all inside linebacker who excels at both run and pass situations. Leonard Floyd has picked it up as the season winds on and finally looks like he can be the productive pass rusher the Bears thought they were drafting a couple of years back.

The guy who has really impressed as the season has gone on is rookie Roquan Smith, who currently leads the team in tackles. Smith’s sideline-to-sideline speed is what was talked about most leading up to the draft, and for good reason. He has showcased that speed every week, and it has allowed for him to be forgiven for some easy mistakes. Smith is the real deal and only continues to get better while learning each week.

Grade: A

Rams

Let’s not forget, the Rams have given up a ton of points this year. Their defense is lucky to have an offense putting up gaudy numbers week-in and week-out. This linebacker group is average at best. You don’t hear a lot about them, and that’s for a good reason. The biggest thing they have going for them is the fact that their defensive line features such an animal holding it down.

Edge rusher Samson Ebukam has been fairly consistent against the run and in getting pressure on the quarterback, although his three sacks on 28 total pressures doesn’t add up to the type of productivity they need from him.

The Rams did themselves a huge favor by nabbing Dante Fowler Jr. from the Jacksonville Jaguars, as he’s become their best linebacker over the last few games, in terms of rushing the passer. In four games, he’s got 12 pressures and a pair of sacks.

Overall, the Rams’ group can’t hold a candle to those in Chicago.

Grade: D