The secondary steps up and causes turnovers
While the Chicago Bears defense had a good season in 2017, there was one area in which they struggled — causing turnovers, specifically interceptions. In 2017, they had just eight interceptions, the lowest total in franchise history. In fact, they recorded that many interceptions in each of the last three seasons.
For the defense to take that step forward, the Bears’ secondary needs to increase that number. In Fangio’s last season in San Francisco, his defense recorded 23 interceptions. His Bears defense recorded 24 in three seasons. I’m not saying they need to record 30 interceptions or some outrageous number. If they get at least double of last year, however, then the team is in business. Hopefully, the Bears offense greatly improves. If it does, then they’ll score many more points with a shorter field.
The Bears re-signed both of their cornerbacks, Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara. With fresh new contracts in their hands, I think they go all out and their play rises through the roof. Of course, the opposite could also be true — they sit on their laurels and get too comfortable to get the job done. Let’s not think about that, though.
The Bears also have some young, athletic corners. Kevin Tolliver II is an unsigned rookie free agent who has a lot of talent. He has first-round talent but couldn’t put it all together at LSU. I think he makes the team and plays the nickel corner. John Franklin III probably makes the practice squad but I feel he’ll be on the 53-man roster before the end of the season. I’m not sure if Marcus Cooper makes the team. Cre’von LeBlanc helps add some depth to the unit.
Overall, I think the cornerback unit plays well. They’ll get support from a good safety corps and if the front seven does its job and puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback there will be plenty of opportunities for the corners to make plays.
Prediction: Fuller gets 9 interceptions, Amukamara gets 4 and the rest of the secondary gets 4 for a total of 17 interceptions.
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