Chicago Bears: Three areas the defense will improve in 2020
By Usayd Koshul
What are three areas that the Chicago Bears defense will improve in during the 2020 season?
Heading into the 2020 NFL season, a widely known fact is that the Chicago Bears are set to have one of the NFL’s best defenses. With major starters like Danny Trevathan, Akiem Hicks, Kyle Fuller, Eddie Jackson, Roquan Smith, and Khalil Mack set to return, the Bears are set up for success on defense.
Under defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano in 2019, the Bears experienced the loss of Trevathan, Hicks, and Smith to season-ending injuries, however, the defense was still able to weather the storm, allowing just 18.6 points per game, good for fourth-best in the NFL.
As the same unit heads into year two under Pagano, it’s clear continuity will play a big factor. This is a core that’s now been playing together since 2018 meaning they’ve got the potential to continue playing at a high level. While depth will be tested, the defense will be set up nicely for success.
The Bears are expecting Mack, Hicks, Trevathan, and Smith to once again be healthy. Adding Robert Quinn in free agency only boosts the chances of the front seven to continue getting after quarterbacks. This will then translate into more turnovers.
In terms of statistics, when factoring in the 2018 defense versus the 2019 defense, the 2018 defense was better in multiple categories such as sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles. However, comparing 2019 to 2020 has yet to happen yet but it is fair to expect the Bears to see some improvements in three categories: Sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles.
With the 2020 NFL regular season quickly approaching, why will the Bears improve on their sacks, interceptions, and forced fumbles compared to 2019? Let’s break it down and find out.