Frequently, when assessing teams, we become fixated on looking at aggregate statistics. In order to predict what teams will bring to the table on Sundays, we get engrossed in what they have accomplished throughout the season.
That normally provides you a decent insight of the character of a squad, but in this case, it would be a trap for the opponent.
The Bears are currently last in the NFC North with a five and eight record going into their game on Sunday. This crew is hopeful, though. They will have three games remaining on their schedule that they can win, and nine victories in the NFC means a trip to the playoffs after their matchup with Cleveland.
There has been a clear turning point for Chicago’s defense this season. The defense changed after the Bears and Commanders reached an agreement on October 31 that sent Montez Sweat to Chicago.
The Bears defense was mediocre during the first two months of the season. They ranked last in sacks, 22nd in takeaways, 30th in pass yards per game, 23rd in total yards allowed, and 28th in points per game.
They rank ninth in points scored per game (18.2), sixth in total yards allowed per game, fifth in passing yards per game, and second in takeaways (11), all throughout the ninth through fourteenth weeks of the season. Saying that they made things better would be a huge understatement.
Sweat is the front-runner for this category. With 3.5 sacks in just five weeks, he leads the club in sack total. His 10.5 sack total would rank him top on the squad. Yannik Ngakoue, a pass rusher, will not be available because he broke his ankle last week.
This defense’s two linebackers are outstanding players. With 131 tackles this season, TJ Edwards is expected to be widely visible on Sunday. In addition to his four interceptions and four passes defensed this season, he also makes tackles in the run game. Despite missing two games, his running partner Tremaine Edwards has 83 tackles, five tackles for loss, five passes defensed, and three interceptions this season. His length and range pose a challenge to the opponent’s second line of defense.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who is having an incredible season, leads the Bears’ secondary. Pro Football Focus presently rates him as the best cornerback in the whole NFL. His four interceptions, one pick-six, and nine passes defensed account for his 90.6 PFF grade. Tyrique Stevenson, on the other side of the field, will be targeted by the Browns. Stevenson is among the lowest-graded corners in football, whilst Johnson has the highest grade.
On Sunday, Cleveland’s offense must perform. The Bears won’t feel sorry for themselves for all the injuries, and they won’t be keeping us out of the playoffs either.
This year, the Cleveland offense will carry the defense for the first time. We’ll see if they can complete it.
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