Bears Defense Under the Spotlight

Defensive Coordinator, Mel Tucker

I posted this in the Chicago Bears community on Google+ earlier this week:

When we transitioned from a defensive-minded head coach, to an offensive-minded head coach, I hoped that the pendulum wouldn't swing from one extreme to the other.

This year so far, here's how we rank in the NFL: Bears have gained 369.2 yards a game (9th), and have given up 373.0 yards a game (23rd).

Last year, the numbers were: 310.6 (28th), and 315.6 (5th).

So far, Jay Cutler is playing very well: QBR 73.5 (3rd). It's the Trestman factor, along with a much better O Line and receiving corps.
But, man, it sure seems like the pendulum is swinging to the other extreme. The defense is giving up a lot of big yards: Other teams are finding passing seams in our zone coverage and busting their RBs right into the secondary way too often.

The good news is, after the Redskins game, the Bears don't play for 14 days straight (including the bye week). So players with nicks and bruises can heal up; the backup starters can get in extra film and practice; Mel Tucker and staff can figure things out and make improvements.

Lovie Smith botched up the offense year after year. How will Marc Trestman do with the defense this year?

What do you guys think?

After several comments from friends, I added this:

Here's a couple more stats for you guys: Bears are tied with Seahawks for NFL lead in takeaways (17). A big carry-over plus from last year. But our defense has given up 67 more points than Seahawks.

So I'm sure Emery is keeping a close eye on what's going on, and planning short-term and long-term moves with this unit. I'm glad to know Mel Tucker is highly-regarded, because, man, he's got his hands full.

Clearly, the Bears are a work-in-progress. But despite all the issues right now, they're doing good at 4 - 2.

Let's go, Bears, let's get a W in FedExField on Sunday! Go into the bye at 5 - 2. Then, big Monday night showdown with the Cheese on November 4th! 

Then Sean Carroll asked if the Bears defense have outscored the Seahawks defense.  The short answer is yes!

(image credit)

After more digging, I posted this today:

Bears defense have scored 4 TDs in 6 games: 3 Pick 6s (Jennings [2], Wright [1]) and 1 Fumble Return (Peppers). Seahawks defense have scored just 1 TD in 7 games: a Pick 6.

A major difference: Bears defense giving up 26.8 points a game (25th), Seahawks 16.6 points a game (5th). If we adjust for those defensive scores: it's 22.1 and 15.6 points a game, respectively.

The only caveat to these stats is this: I'm not sure exactly how points-a-game is calculated. Bears offense, e.g., have given up 2 Fumble Returns. Do these scores count against the defense? Conversely, do the defensive scores count for the offense? If so, then we can ignore my adjustment above.

Right now, Bears offense score 28.7 points a game (3rd).

One other stat: Among winning teams in the NFL (i.e., > .500 records), the Bears point differential is second lowest (+11). (Lowest is the Bengals [+10].) Which means the Bears have been playing well enough to win, and even when they've lost, they've hung in the ballgame and kept things close in the end.

For a team that's basically rebuilding, the Bears are a good football team at 4 - 2. Credit: Phil Emery. Reference: Chicago Cubs at 127 - 197, 2 years out of a 5-year rebuilding plan under Theo Epstein, are a train wreck!

Thank you for reading, and let me know what you think!

Ron Villejo, PhD