There’s been plenty of change for the Chicago Bears defense this offseason. Whether it’s transitioning to a 4-3 scheme or the overhaul on the roster, the is going to be a new-look Bears defense in 2022.
The Bears still have some of their stars in place, including linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn, and they’ve added some impact rookies in cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Kyler Gordon.
With training camp in full swing, the defense has been the clear winners over the offense. But we’ve yet to see them play in live action, and they’ve been without their best player in Smith. Can this defense rebound following a poor outing last season?
Our Bears Wire staff is sharing their bold prediction for the defense heading into the 2022 season. Go big or go home.
Alyssa Barbieri: Bears defense will eclipse 25 takeaways
USA Today Sports
The Bears have long stressed the importance of taking the ball away on defense, but they’ve struggled to do just that. Back in 2018, the Bears led the NFL in takeaways with 36. Since then, they’ve failed to eclipse 20. In fact, their takeaways have declined over the last three seasons — 19 in 2019, 18 in 2020 and 16 in 2021.
That should change this season under head coach Matt Eberflus, who’s instilled his H.I.T.S. principle — “T” for takeaways — that has his roster buying in. The league average in takeaways last season was in the low-20s, which is a bar this new-look Bears defense should clear with a new emphasis on forcing turnovers. Twenty-five might not sound bold, but it is for a defense that hasn’t managed 20 in three years. They have an improved secondary and edge rushers who’ve had success.
The Bears have yet to play a game — be it preseason or regular season — so it’s hard to gauge exactly how this defense will look, especially down some key starters from last year. But the defense has shown a knack for taking the ball away so far in training camp, whether it’s rookie ballhawks Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker or veterans Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson.
Brendan Sugrue: Jaquan Brisker is a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this week, rookie safety Jaquan Brisker listed out his goals for the 2022 NFL season and while most were team oriented, he did indicate he wants to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Given his early outstanding play…
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