Bears’ Front Seven Has Finally Started to Prove Themselves

The Chicago Bears are riding a four-game win streak, their longest since 2018. While many could point to D’Andre Swift dominating the ground game as of late or having perhaps the strongest special teams units in the league thus far, the real story is unfolding on the other side of the ball.

Over the past two weeks, the defensive front seven has transformed from a liability into one of the team’s biggest strengths.

Defeating Washington’s Dominant Ground Game

The Washington Commanders boast one of the most efficient and high-powered offenses in the NFL. They are backed by two dual-threat quarterbacks — Jayden Daniels, who has started four games, and Marcus Mariota, who started when Daniels was out due to injury.

But where the offense has truly been excelling is the run game. Running backs Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and rookie Jacory (Bill) Croskey-Merritt have all been excellent as a committee.

That trio, combined with Daniels’ and Mariota’s rushing ability, were why the Commanders led the league in rushing yards per game (156.4) and yards per carry (5.9) heading into Week 6.

Chicago’s Unimpressive Run Defense

Meanwhile, the Bears’ run defense had been shaky to start the season.

Through the first four weeks, Chicago was second-to-last in opponent rushing yards per game (164.5) and dead last (by half a yard) in opponent yards per carry (6.1). In particular, the Las Vegas Raiders ran all over the Bears, totaling 240 rushing yards and 7.7 yards per carry.

Few would have expected this outcome with all the talent on the front seven. There is a lot of continuity with T.J. Edwards, Gervon Dexter Sr., Noah Sewell, Montez Sweat, and Tremaine Edmunds, the latter two being former Pro Bowlers.

Add in two splash free agent signings in Grady Jarrett (another former Pro Bowl selection) and Dayo Odeyingbo, and the organization expected the outcome to be better.

A Shocking Chicago Turnaround

Going into Monday Night Football, Washington’s offensive game plan was simple: establish the run. They are the best in the league at it, and Chicago is arguably the worst at defending it. Add in that it was a rainy atmosphere, and it looked like the Commanders would cruise.

And yet, the Bears shut their ground game down. In 31 attempts, Washington accumulated 124 yards (32 below their season average) and just four yards per carry. Chicago, meanwhile, ran for 145 yards on 27 attempts, good for 5.4 yards per carry.

The Bears defense also came away with a key fumble recovery (their second of the game on a run play) on a 3rd-and-1 play late in the fourth quarter that, if converted for the Commanders, would have gone a long way towards sealing the game. Instead, Chicago recovered, and the offense led a game-winning drive to come away with an improbable victory.

Fluke or For Real?

It was definitely fair to question the legitimacy of the Bears’ MNF performance. Was this real, or just a Chicago team with extra time to prepare off of their bye week?

Then came Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. While the Saints’ offensive numbers were not great (just 18.5 points per game entering Week 7), the Saints have a physical unit built around former All-Pro Alvin Kamara and one of the league’s better interior lines. How would the Bears respond?

As strong as ever.

On a shortened week, Chicago allowed just 44 rushing yards on 17 carries, a lowly 2.6 yards per carry that featured seven tackles for loss. The Bears also got to Spencer Rattler on numerous occasions, generating four sacks, a new season high.

In a Dennis Allen (former Saints head coach) revenge game, the front seven utterly controlled the game and ultimately set the tone for the rest of the defense. The Bears forced four turnovers on the day, and they now lead the league in forced turnovers — despite playing one fewer game than most teams — with 16 on the season.

This is starting to look like a real identity shift. And it is one built on domination at the line of scrimmage.

Building on the Breakthrough

It appears that Allen is hopeful that the Chicago front seven can continue executing to their expectations — at least, as long as they can stick to the basics.

“‘Run defense is not as complicated as a lot of people might think it is,'” said Allen. “‘It gets down to, really, fundamentals. It gets down to being able to strike blocks, being able to get off a block, linebackers coming downhill, secondary guys getting off blocks, keeping the ball inside… Our guys did a good job of that.'”

Having a bye week between the Raiders and Commanders game certainly seemed to help the Bears work on their fundamentals. Up next is the Baltimore Ravens, and should two-time MVP Lamar Jackson be able to suit up for the first time since Week 4, this will perhaps be Chicago’s toughest test for the defense on the ground all season.