This defense has a chance to be special
If you look at how the defense got torched, especially in the fourth quarter, the above statement might seem ridiculous. The truth of the matter is that yes, this may be one of the best defenses in the NFL. What they did in the first half of the game was nothing short of spectacular. The Chicago Bears front line camped themselves into the Packers’ backfield. Even when healthy, Rodgers’ movement in the pocket, something that makes him a deadly accurate thrower, didn’t help him.
The leader of the group was Khalil Mack. The Bears made a blockbuster deal to acquire him on cut day last week. After only about three or so practices, Mack got to the field and immediately made his presence felt. He took the Packers’ tackle and threw him around like a rag doll. This was one of the all-time great games for a defender but did it in a half, recording a sack, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pick-six. Not bad for a guy who hasn’t been a part of camp or any game since December.
Mack’s value to the defense isn’t only what he does but what his appearance on the field does for his teammates. With Mack in there, Akiem Hicks didn’t face double teams. He was able to wreak havoc himself. Additionally, when rookie first-round draft pick Roquan Smith came in, he was able to run free. He did so and promptly recorded a sack on his first professional play.
With the front seven putting enormous pressure on the quarterback, the secondary had an easier time. Rodgers and his backup, DeShone Kizer, had to rush their throws. That caused incompletions and an interception.
That secondary needs the front seven to do what they did in the first half. The problem in this game was that Smith and Mack haven’t played the preseason and missed all of training camp. They had a big first half, but by the time the fourth quarter rolled around, they were exhausted. They slowed down, enough for Rodgers to get his throws away. That extra split second helped Rodgers complete the comeback.
Without that added pressure, the Bears’ secondary got torched. Granted, this was Aaron Rodgers doing it, but there are plenty of other quality quarterbacks in the division. Any one of them is capable of completing big passes as well.
The second half will be an anomaly. Once Mack and Smith get their conditioning squared away they’ll be a deadly combination. They’ll be on the field for more snaps and will be fresher. They’ll make life easier for everyone else. Hicks can get in without fighting double-teams. Eddie Goldman can hold down the middle, and Leonard Floyd can use his freakish athletic ability. All this also makes it easier for the corners. They can use all the help they can get. Watching this defense will be an incredible, fun experience.
Yes, this was a difficult loss to deal with. The overall situation, however, is positive. There are many things to be happy about the 2018 Chicago Bears.
