It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears boast a formidable defense. With star players on all three levels, the defense has kept every opponent under 21 points in 11 straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL. However, what’s surprising is that the linebacking unit, often considered the team’s strength, hasn’t been the focal point of the defense this season. Instead, the secondary has been stealing the spotlight, consistently “flapping their hands” and dominating on the field.
Bears Secondary ‘Flapping Their Hands,’ Dominating on the Field
Through Five Weeks, the Bears Have the Best Secondary in the NFL
The Bears rank third in the NFL in takeaways with 11. What’s more impressive is that according to Football Insights, the Bears lead the NFL in terms of team coverage rates. Coverage rates are measured by EPA, which stands for estimated points added. While EPA is often associated with quarterback performance, it works differently for the secondary. A positive EPA benefits quarterbacks, but a lower or negative EPA is desirable for the secondary. Football Insights calculated each team’s EPA based on six different defensive formations. The Bears topped the list with a -0.25 EPA. For comparison, the Jacksonville Jaguars came in last with an EPA of 0.29.
The Players Behind the NFL’s Top Secondary
The Bears’ secondary has enjoyed the advantage of a mostly healthy starting lineup, with the exception of strong safety Jaquan Brisker, who suffered a concussion against the Carolina Panthers. Despite this, Brisker is having a breakout third season, recording 40 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception. Free safety Kevin Byard, who joined from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, has quickly become a team leader. He snagged his first interception against the Panthers and is currently the sixth-highest-graded safety in the league, according to PFF (85.9).
While the safeties have garnered a lot of attention, the cornerbacks have also been impressive. Former Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro Jaylon Johnson has continued his lockdown role from last season, with two interceptions and a passer rating of 33.1 when targeted. Second-year starter Tyrique Stevenson has shown significant growth, tallying 26 total tackles, one interception, and allowing just 43 yards. And third-year cornerback Kyler Gordon has been relatively quiet this season, but he’s still a vital part in playing as the Bears’ starting nickel corner. Altogether, the Bears’ secondary is sixth in the NFL in passing yards allowed at an average of 174 yards.
Meaning Behind ‘Flapping Their Hands’
The Bears have a special celebration on defense, with players hanging their arms up and flapping their hands down—thanks to Brisker. The celebration can mean different things, but Brisker mentioned that “it just means no flex zone. Don’t talk too much stuff over here. You’re not gonna celebrate. So just calm down.” To opponents, that’s the message—but for the team, it’s much more. Brisker shared that the celebration boosts the defense’s energy, and it has even spread to the offense. During Roschon Johnson’s second touchdown against the Panthers, there’s a clip of quarterback Caleb Williams doing the celebration with a smile. It’s been a source of energy for the players, and Johnson knows how special Brisker’s celebration is.
“He’s just somebody that always brings energy. So when he did it [flapping hands celebration] of course it was just like ‘okay, that’s our new little thing.'”
The Bears will be tested against tougher opponents later in the season, but seeing the defense coming together and growing into a formidable unit is encouraging.
