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

Defensive Line

Bears

Rushing yards allowed per game: 85.8 (2nd in NFL)

Rushing TD allowed this season: 4 (Fewest in NFL)

Best player: Defensive End Akiem Hicks

Grade: A

The Bears have been solid at all three levels this year, so it shouldn’t surprise you that I have positive things to say about the play up front. Akiem Hicks better finally get his much-deserved Pro Bowl nod this season, because he has been about as disruptive as one could be, other than a certain no. 99 of the Rams.

Eddie Goldman goes unnoticed by many, but the things he does to plug the run game should be applauded by all. Goldman has been a stud up front and is proving to be well-worth the extension the Bears gave him this year.

Because of the play from all the other guys on this defense, Jonathan Bullard, Bilal Nichols and Roy Robertson-Harris have seen flashes of success here and there, but haven’t had near the impact of Hicks or Goldman.

Rams

Rushing yards allowed per game: 118.4 (18th in NFL)

Rushing TD allowed this season: 8 (Tied for 5th-fewest in NFL)

Grade: A

I don’t even know where to begin with talking about Aaron Donald. He is without a doubt, hands down, the best defensive player in the league. I know, all the Bears fans reading this are upset at the moment. But, if you’re watching these games objectively, you cannot deny the fact that Donald is in another world.

Donald leads the NFL in sacks (16.5), and he plays inside. That is absurd. He is the ridiculous mixture of strength and speed at the defensive tackle position, and is an absolute nightmare to deal with for offensive linemen.

Next to him is veteran Ndamukong Suh, who is still playing at a high level. While Donald gets all the attention and, quite frankly, gets to the quarterback before anyone else can, Suh is still someone to be worried about. He is second on the team with 38 pressures and has totaled four sacks this year.

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