It’s been an offseason of change for the Chicago Bears, who have ushered in a new regime under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus.
While most of the criticism this offseason has been focused on the offense, there are plenty of questions surrounding the defense heading into Year 1 of the Eberflus era. The Bears certainly improved their secondary with the additions of Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker in the NFL draft. But there are other positions that have raised some concerns ahead of training camp.
Last week, we shared our biggest concerns on offense. Now, our Bears Wire staff is sharing their thoughts on the team’s biggest concern on defense ahead of the 2022 season.
Alyssa Barbieri: Interior defensive line
Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Defense has been the strength of the Bears for most of the franchise’s existence, but there are plenty of questions heading into the 2022 season. There are a number of familiar veterans who are no longer with the team, including Khalil Mack, who was traded to the Chargers. But while it’s fair to say there are some questions at edge rusher, it’s the defensive interior that’s the biggest concern heading into the season.
During the Matt Nagy era, the defensive line was easily the strength of the defense. They had solid starters and impressive depth at the position. But Chicago lost three interior defensive linemen this offseason in Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman and Bilal Nichols, which raises plenty of questions about the interior of a defense that is important for the success of a Matt Eberflus defense.
After Larry Ogunjobi failed his physical, the Bears pivoted to sign Justin Jones to serve as the three-technique. He’s coming off a career year with the Chargers, where he was the team’s most dominant run stopper. At nose tackle, it could very well be a three-way battle between Khyiris Tonga, Mike Pennel and Angelo Blackson. But Eberflus’ system is predicated towards rotating players to keep fresh legs, so it’s both starters and depth that are key.
The good news is the Bears hired a smart defensive mind in Eberflus who knows how to maximize the talent on his roster. It’s not necessarily a long-term solution for the concerns along the defensive interior, but it should help what looks to be the weakest position group on defense this season.
Brendan Sugrue: The new defensive line
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
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