Chicago Bears: Crucial, updated offseason storylines to watch closely
By Usayd Koshul
2. A bolstered pass rush
Another hot topic this offseason was what the Bears would do at outside linebacker. Once again, the group will be headlined by Khalil Mack but opposite Mack, there’s a new face: Veteran Robert Quinn.
Set to start opposite Mack, the Bears are hoping Quinn can continue to build off a strong 2019 season that saw him post 11.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. By signing Quinn, the Bears are hoping that more opportunities become available for Mack and Akiem Hicks, who’s expected to be fully healthy in 2020.
A major reason that Quinn was signed was because the Bears were not confident in former first-round pick Leonard Floyd’s ability to get after the quarterback. After a promising rookie season with 7.5 sacks, Floyd would have just 11.5 over a three-year period. Compare that to Quinn who had the same amount in 2019 and did so while playing in just 14 games.
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A bolstered pass rush will be one of the biggest reasons the Bears defense continues to be dominant in 2020. Barring some major injury, along with upgraded play at cornerback and safety, the Bears could easily rediscover some of the magic that helped this team be one of the NFL’s top units in 2018.