Chicago Bears: 3 positions ready for COVID-19 impact
By Ryan Heckman
2. Linebacker
For some reason, the Bears’ linebacker group still doesn’t get the respect they deserve. Whether it’s Pro Football Focus’ constant lack of praise for them or another outlet, these guys are overlooked — but, why?
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On the outside, you might have the best pass rushing duo in the NFL for 2020 in Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. On the inside, you have veteran Danny Trevathan who has three 100-tackle seasons under his belt. Their starters are as good as any group in all of football.
But, behind them are a couple of underrated veterans like Josh Woods, Joel Iyiegbuniwe and rookie Trevis Gipson. We aren’t sure yet if Barkevious Mingo or Ledarius Mack make the roster, but if they do, they add some intriguing depth for various reasons.
In any event, the Bears’ linebacking core is so strong as a whole that if one or two of the starters go down to COVID-19 — God forbid — they have the veteran talent and leadership there to help elevate whichever backups get plugged in.
Contrary to an outlet like PFF, the Bears are in fact in the upper echelon of the league at linebacker. Not only that, but they have sneaky depth.