Chicago Bears: Robert Quinn’s expectations for 2020 should excite fans

The Chicago Bears defense is about to take it to a whole different level with Robert Quinn on the roster.

I probably wasn’t the only one who raised an eyebrow when the Chicago Bears announced their signing of pass rusher Robert Quinn. On one hand, that was a lot of money to spend. On the other, this defense just got even better — and that’s frightening.

Throughout the offseason, players have obviously been unable to meet, work out and practice in person thus far. But, that hasn’t stopped Quinn from absorbing as much information as humanly possible.

This past week, Bears outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino had some very simple and encouraging words regarding the team’s newest premier pass rusher.

"“I’ve spent more time with Robert Quinn than I’ve spent with a lot of guys… Robert asks a lot of really good questions. He wants to be really good in this system and he wants that to happen right away.” (Quote via Hoge and Jahns podcast)"

Quinn, a 9-year veteran, was a bit of a surprise signing for most fans. But, after soaking it all in, and knowing Quinn is as energized and inquisitive as he is, there is reason to believe the Bears defense is going to light up the NFC North in 2020.

Thinking about Quinn’s high expectations, paired with Khalil Mack on the opposite side, is a scary proposition. Take, for example, Mack’s history in the league and who he had on the other end.

In 2014 (Mack’s rookie year), he only totaled 4.0 sacks. The team-leader for the then-Oakland Raiders was Justin Tuck with only 5.0. The next year, Mack upped his sack total to a career-best 15.0, while the next closest was middle linebacker Malcolm Smith. As for the opposite pass rusher? How about 3.5 from Aldon Smith or 3.0 out of Denico Autry.

In 2016 and 2017, Bruce Irvin had 7.0 and 8.0 sacks respectively, to go along with Mack. In 2018 and 2019, Leonard Floyd had 4.0 and 3.0 sacks opposite of Mack.

With Quinn, you’re talking about a guy who has had double-digit sacks in four seasons and, over nine years, has averaged about 9.0 sacks per season.

Quinn has to be as hungry as ever, while getting set to play with the best defense he’s ever played on. Not to mention, he and Mack won’t be alone rushing the passer — hello, Akiem Hicks.

At 30 years old, Quinn has to be as excited and motivated as ever before with a chance to do something special. This Bears defense could be the best we’ve seen it since the 2006 Super Bowl year. Quinn’s expectations, along with the talent already on this unit, should have fans more than ready for some football.