The Chicago Bears defense was lifeless through the first five months of Matt Eberflus’ tenure as head coach. Part of it was their general lack of talent as GM Ryan Poles overhauled the roster. However, it was also an issue of coaching. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams was unequal to the task of play calling during his stint. That eventually forced Eberflus to take over the duties himself. After an adjustment period, the defense rebounded in a big way, finishing among the NFL’s best in takeaways and run-stoppage.
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Most would agree the strength of the unit was the secondary. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was an All-Pro. Rookie Tyrique Stevenson had four interceptions. Nickel corner Kyler Gordon had two, along with a sack. Safety Jaquan Brisker finished third on the team with 105 tackles while also producing an interception and a sack. Newcomer Kevin Byard is a former All-Pro safety with outstanding ball skills. This was already a good unit that should get much better. Just don’t tell Pro Football Focus that. They have a low opinion of the Bears’ back five, as illustrated in their secondary rankings.
19. CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears signed cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a big contract extension this offseason after a career year. They also added safety Kevin Byard, who’s been one of the best safeties in the NFL since entering the league. Cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson had their ups and downs in 2023, as did safety Jaquan Brisker, but this unit could be extremely good in 2024 if it plays to its high-end abilities.
Matt Eberflus has more motivation to feed his players.
Smart coaches always look for opportunities to get their guys focused. Nothing has worked better over time than players feeling disrespected. The Bears organization knows this better than most. After a loss to Washington in 1940, their owner called Chicago “crybabies” and “quitters” because of a penalty that wasn’t called. Head coach George Halas saw that headline and made sure to have it plastered all over the locker room when the two teams met again for the NFL championship game. Chicago crushed Washington 73-0 that day. Competitors hate being disrespected.
One thing about Matt Eberflus is he’s not dumb. He always works hard to be aware of what is happening outside the bubble of Halas Hall. It is his responsibility to know what may or may not affect his team. Nobody would be shocked if these rankings somehow found their way into the secondary’s position room. Guys like Johnson and Brisker are notorious for taking such slights personally. It wouldn’t be a shock if they led the charge for the secondary to make a statement this season.
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