Chicago Bears: Three questions coming off loss to Colts

Question #2: What’s up with the defense?

I know, it may seem unfair to criticize the Bears defense through four games in which the team is 3-1. And I don’t think the defense is the cause of this team’s struggles early on. But something is off with this defense, and it’s not easy to pinpoint.

There was hope the Bears defense would return to their form from the 2018 season in which they were the best stop unit in the NFL. Star defensive lineman Akiem Hicks returned from an elbow injury which cost him 11 games last season.

The team added another pass rush weapon in Robert Quinn this offseason. There was some momentum around the defense improving, but now it seems as if something’s off. One major factor is obviously the offense’s inability to stay on the field.

Linebacker Danny Trevathan faced a lot of criticism in his first three games. He looked notably slower and wasn’t making plays. His playing time was even cut. But he wasn’t the defense’s main problem.

Trevathan had a better game against the Colts, and let’s hope he continues to trend in the right direction. But the fact of the matter is the Bears continue to struggle to stop the run. They’re also not playing disciplined football with the team trailing.

While the defense was able to limit the Colts to 2.7 YPC on Sunday, they still gave up 103 rushing yards and committed six of the Bears’ eight penalties. There were multiple penalties on the defense that bailed out the Colts on third down to extend their drive.

On a short week, the offense has to give the defense more rest by staying on the field. But the front seven has to step up and be better against the run as well.