I’m still having some trouble moving on from Sunday’s loss to Green Bay, but at some point, we have to. And with the Bears back at practice today, I guess it’s about that time.
The Bears’ run defense has been iffy at times this year, and it’s taken even more of a hit since the loss of Andrew Billings in the middle of the defensive line.
So far this year, Chicago is allowing 4.8 yards per carry, tied for the fourth-worst opponent yards per carry in the NFL. Last season, they allowed a full yard fewer per carry at 3.8 over the course of 18 games. That put them tied for fourth-best in the NFL in 2023.
So what’s changed this year? Tremaine Edmunds kept it pretty simple when asked that today during his media availability.
I think it’s just technique and fundamentals. Understand what we got to do and doing it at a high level…I think it’s really just honing down on the fundamentals and making sure we take care of our job.
Tremaine Edmunds
Can Bears Run Defense Get Back On Track This Week?
During their current four-game losing streak, Chicago’s struggles against the run have been magnified. In the four-game skid, the Bears’ opponents are averaging 157.7 yards on the ground.
The good news for the Bears’ run defense is that it has a chance to get back on track this week against Minnesota. The Vikings aren’t a bad rushing team, but it hasn’t been their strong suit this year. As a team, they’re averaging 4.0 yards per carry and only have five touchdowns on the ground this season. We’re all familiar with Aaron Jones from his time with the Packers, and he’s been fine this year but also nothing special.
Jones has gone for over 100 yards in a game just once this season, and in three of Minnesota’s last five games, he’s failed to crack the 70-yard mark. In three of his last four matchups, the Vikings running back has averaged just 3.1 yards per carry or fewer.
As a team, Minnesota is just 19th in the NFL this season with a mark of 116.4 yards per game, though their struggles aren’t due to a lack of trying. They still average the 8th-most rushing attempts per game this season as a unit.
So, all this is to say, this Sunday presents a chance for the Bears’ defense to get back on track as a unit stopping the run. Minnesota has elite pass-catchers, which can’t be denied. But Sam Darnold is starting to come back down to earth a bit. Their offensive line has allowed the third-most sacks per game in the NFL this season, which means they’re gettable as well.
Hopefully, Edmunds is right. Hopefully, just getting back to honing in on the little things and players focusing on doing their jobs will help get the Bears’ run defense back where it was last year, or at least headed in the right direction. Either way, Sunday’s game against Minnesota presents an opportune chance for Chicago’s run-stoppers to do just that.