Chicago Bears: Three areas the defense will improve in 2020

2) Interceptions

Part of the reason that the Bears regressed in 2019 on defense is simple: The Bears regressed in 2019 in the interception category. Part of the reason? Quarterbacks avoided throwing in the direction of safety Eddie Jackson, who had six interceptions in 2018. Besides Jackson, cornerback Kyle Fuller also regressed, with just three interceptions in 2019.

Both defensive backs are the faces of the Bears secondary for the next few years. As both get more comfortable in Chuck Pagano’s scheme, combined with a revamped and reenergized front seven, interceptions shouldn’t be an issue for the Bears in 2020.

While there are some question marks regarding who’s going to start opposite Fuller, the rest of the secondary will feature veterans Buster Skrine in the slot and safety Tashaun Gipson, who’ll start opposite Jackson.

A true over/under for number of interceptions in 2020 is hard to set, however, with Jackson due for a bounceback season, it won’t be hard to see this unit being one of the NFL’s best once again in the takeaways category.