Chicago Bears: 3 dangerous matchups Carolina Panthers present

1. Mike Davis vs. Bears defensive front

If you have watched even a glimpse of Bears football this season, one major flaw has jumped out. It’s on defense and it’s in the middle of the field. Losing Eddie Goldman this year has hurt the Bears far more than anyone could have anticipated, as it’s looked easy for any running back to gash this defense on any given carry.

Ronald Jones looked like a star last Thursday night. Even Adrian Peterson looked fresh in Week 1 against this defensive front. It’s been tough sledding at times for the Bears against the run. Much of it has to do with no Goldman.

But, another aspect is the fact that Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith have been atrocious as a tandem. Trevathan, specifically, looks as though age has caught up to him in a major way. Smith is missing tackles left and right. Together, they are looking like one of the biggest weaknesses on this unit.

Enter Mike Davis, not Christian McCaffrey. It’s Davis who will get the start in place of the injured McCaffrey, and he’s been every bit of what the Panthers need without their All Pro back.

Last season, Davis was cut by the Bears after Matt Nagy finally decided to give the work to David Montgomery. It wasn’t a bad decision by the Bears. It was a necessary one. They traded up to get Montgomery, and also wanted to get Tarik Cohen involved, so letting go of Davis was the right call — and it’s been wonderful for him as well.

In McCaffrey’s place, Davis has totaled 426 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns overall. The offense hasn’t really missed a beat, and it’s because of how efficient Davis has been with his carries and receptions. The Bears cannot underestimate Davis’ impact on the game.