4. The returns of Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith
One of the reasons that the 2018 defense was so successful was that they were able to remain relatively healthy, which is part training and part luck. While there were some minor injuries here and there, they didn’t lose anyone for a substantial period of time, which certainly wasn’t the case in 2019. Chicago lost Akiem Hicks early in the season, and his absence was felt in the middle of that defensive line all season long. The Bears also lost linebackers Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith in Week 10 and 14, respectively.
Luckily, the Bears had some key reserves that stepped up in their absence. But it’s no substitute for the real thing. Getting a healthy Hicks, Trevathan and Smith back for 2020 — and returning to a defense with key contributors remaining in place — is going to be huge for this unit.
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