Somehow, the Chicago Bears made their already-dominant defense even better this offseason with some key acquisitions, returning some key contributors and making some adjustments. Though, obviously, we’ll have to wait to see how it’s executed on the field.
Following a truly special 2018 season, the Bears defense faced the challenge of acclimating to a new system under defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, as well as living up to the expectations they set for themselves.
While they had their share of struggles, be it with injuries, forcing turnovers or the pass rush, there is reason to believe that this 2020 group can be much better than last year — and possibly rival that 2018 season.
Let’s take a look at five reasons why the Bears defense will be better in 2020.
1. Second year in Chuck Pagano’s system
The Bears defense was always going to regress last season because they were just that good in 2018. In the first year under defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, Chicago’s defense had a solid season. That, despite some major injuries to defensive stars. Still, they allowed the fourth-fewest points per game.
Safety Eddie Jackson is expecting big things from the defense in Year 2 of Pagano’s system. There’s a comfortability for these players, where they know what to expect and everyone knows their job, as well as different guys’ roles.
“I feel like this Year 2 is going to be amazing for our defense,” Jackson said. “Just being here already understanding guys’ positions and where your help is, that helps you play more freely. That’s probably the biggest thing.”
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