Tag: Bilal Nichols

Which Bears players will step up in Eddie Goldman’s absence?

Our Bears Wire staff shares their thoughts on which player they believe will rise to the occasion in NT Eddie Goldman’s absence in 2020.

The Chicago Bears suffered a brutal blow to their defense when nose tackle Eddie Goldman chose to opt out of the 2020 season due to health and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Goldman’s absence will be felt in the middle of that defensive line, especially when it comes to clogging up running lanes and doing the dirty work in the trenches. Which means that the Bears defense is going to need some of those players on the defensive line to step up in Goldman’s absence.

Our Bears Wire staff shares their thoughts on which player they believe will rise to the occasion in Goldman’s absence.

Alyssa: DT Bilal Nichols

Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

While the loss of Eddie Goldman is a devastating one, it does provide an opportunity for someone like defensive tackle Bilal Nichols to step up in his absence, especially given that Nichols is going to see an increased workload. Nichols was already expected to be a big contributor this season. But with Goldman’s absence, it’s more imperative than ever that Nichols go from average to great on this defensive line.

The Bears have one of the best run defenses in the NFL last season, a testament to Goldman’s ability to clog up running lanes. Now, Nichols, a former fifth-round pick out of Delaware, has an opportunity to step up in that same area, something he’s already shown he can do. Losing Goldman is absolutely brutal for this defense. But if it allows Nichols to step up in his third season, there could certainly be a silver lining.

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See where the Bears rank in Touchdown Wire’s pre-training camp power rankings

In TD Wire’s pre-training camp power rankings, the Bears ranked 18th, which is due in large point to the concerns at the QB position.

Touchdown Wire‘s Mark Schofield released his pre-training camp power rankings, where the Chicago Bears dropped one spot and landed at No. 18. Which, considering how most power rankings have gone for Chicago this offseason, could be worse. But then again, the Bears aren’t going to get respect until they earn it on the field.

Schofield discussed the Bears’ moves in the NFL Draft, praising the additions of second-round picks tight end Cole Kmet and cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Schofield believes that they can both be Week 1 starters for this team. He also noted the addition of fifth-round receiver Darnell Mooney, who generated a ton of buzz.

But the biggest question mark for everyone — be it those in Chicago or from a national landscape — is the Bears’ quarterback situation, where Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles will be competing for the starting job. And they’ll have only training camp reps to do so.

Look, in the end what matters for Chicago is not their 87th tight end or a cornerback they drafted in the second round, but who wins the showdown of showdowns: Trubisky v Foles: The Melee of Mediocrity. Joking aside, if they can just find a quarterback to execute Matt Nagy’s offense and make throws on time and in rhythm, they will be a much-improved team on that side of the ball.

The Bears were one of the teams impacted recently by decisions from players to opt-out of the 2020 season due to concerns over COVID-19. Defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, a mainstay up front for Chicago the past few years, decided to forgo playing in the year ahead. He is not a household name but is a factor up front for this defense, which should again be the strength of the organization. This will have an impact in 2020.

The only concern on defense is how the loss of nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out of the 2020 season, will impact the defensive line. There are some guys on the roster in defensive tackle Bilal Nichols and defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris that certainly need to step up. And if nose tackle John Jenkins returns from the reserve/COVID-19 list, he’s the clear in-house favorite to take over for Goldman this season.

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Bears 2020 training camp preview: Defensive line

Let’s take a look at the Bears’ defensive line heading into training camp.

The Chicago Bears are ten days away from reporting to training camp on July 28 and the defensive line is eager to get back on the field. Last year, a couple of injuries plagued the defensive line, especially with Akiem Hicks, but if the Bears can stay healthy in 2020, they have one of the best units in the NFL.

The Bears saw two players leave in free agency that played a productive role. Aaron Lynch returns to his home state to play with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a one-year, $1.1 million deal after playing in 16 games and totaling two sacks. Nick Williams signs with divisional rival Detroit Lions for two years, $10 million after a breakout year with six sacks, nine quarterback hits, five tackle for loss, and 42 total tackles.

Let’s take a look at the defensive line heading into training camp.

Akiem Hicks

Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports

Playing in five games last season due to injury, Hicks is hungry to get back on the field. Ever since Hicks joined the Bears in 2016, he has played at an elite level where he has recorded more than seven sacks in each season besides 2019, five force fumbles, four fumble recoveries, seven pass deflections and 173 combined tackles.

The 2018 Pro Bowler is accompanied by Khalil Mack and newly signed Robert Quinn, which can help Hicks get his normal production and more. The 30-year old will be a key piece on the defense in 2020 after missing 11 games last season.

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5 reasons why the Bears defense will be even better in 2020

There is reason to believe that this 2020 Bears defense can be much better than last year – and possibly rival that 2018 season.

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

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

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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Bears roster comparison: 2019 vs. 2020 defense, special teams

Let’s take a look, position by position, at how the Bears defense and special teams in 2020 compares to 2019.

With the Chicago Bears’ 90-man roster full — although, it can change at any time — we thought we’d take a look at just how much their roster has changed since about this time last season.

Continuing with defense, the Bears return their core group that have been among the top in the NFL over the last two seasons. They’ve also upgraded several positions this offseason, including pass rush and secondary. While there are some depth concerns at a couple of positions, this Bears roster is stacking up nicely where it could possibly rival the dominant 2018 group.

The expectation for Chicago’s special teams is that it’ll look identical with kicker Eddy Pineiro, punter Pat O’Donnell and long snapper Patrick Scales.

Let’s take a look, position by position, at how the Bears defense and special teams in 2020 compares to 2019.

Defensive Line

Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
2019 2020
Akiem Hicks Akiem Hicks
Eddie Goldman Eddie Goldman
Bilal Nichols Bilal Nichols
Roy Robertson-Harris Roy Robertson-Harris
Nick Williams Brent Urban
Jonathan Bullard Abdullah Anderson
Abdullah Anderson John Jenkins
Jonathan Harris Trevon McSwain
Jalen Dalton Lee Autry
Daryle Banfield

The Bears defensive line was arguably the deepest position group on their roster last season, which served them well when Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols struggled with their respective injuries. Nick Williams and Roy Robertson-Harris rose to the occasion during their different absences, alongside one of Chicago’s most under-appreciated players in nose tackle Eddie Goldman. Their depth was certainly tested last season, and they handled the loss of Hicks the best they could’ve been expected to.

Heading into 2020, the Bears are returning the core of their defensive line, anchored by Hicks, Goldman, Nichols and Robertson-Harris. While they lost Williams to the Detroit Lions in free agency — a testament to his breakout season as a seven-year veteran — they did add some depth with former Bear John Jenkins and Brent Urban, who returns after signing with Chicago midway through last season.

Advantage: 2019

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Ranking each Bears draft class under Ryan Pace

When you put each of Bears GM Ryan Pace’s first five draft classes next to one another, how do they stack up?

We’re down to just hours before the 2020 NFL Draft officially begins in Las Vegas, NV virtually, giving teams yet another opportunity to improve their roster as the offseason marches on.

For Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace, this year’s draft will be his sixth and like most GMs, he’s found his share of diamonds in the rough while missing badly on top prospects.

But when you put each of his first five draft classes next to one another, how do they stack up? Below is a ranking of Pace’s worst to best draft classes between 2015 and 2019.

5) 2019 draft class

Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Key hits – None

Key misses – None

It seems a little unfair to rank the Bears most-recent draft class in last place, considering the players have only had one season to develop. But the truth is, none of the Bears five picks have shown they are true hits yet. They also relinquished their first and second-round picks when they traded for All-Pro outside linebacker Khalil Mack prior to the 2018 season.

Their first selection didn’t come until pick No. 73, trading up in the third round for running back David Montgomery. The former Cyclone was decent and definitely showed flashes throughout the season, but he wasn’t consistent enough and only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. He wasn’t bad by any means, but he wasn’t a standout. Most notably, he was the only rookie to play a significant amount of snaps.

Their next pick, wide receiver Riley Ridley, didn’t play a single down until Week 13 and failed to make an impact. Cornerback Duke Shelley, the Bears’ sixth-round pick, spent a large portion of the season inactive, and their pair of seventh-rounders in running back Kerrith Whyte Jr. and cornerback Stephen Denmark were released and spent the year on the practice squad, respectively.

It was a rough year for this rookie class, but the bright side for this group is Montgomery, Ridley, and Shelley will have more opportunities to prove themselves and take the next step in their careers in Year 2.

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Nick Williams will ‘have fun in free agency,’ but wants to remain with Bears

Bears DT Nick Williams burst onto the NFL scene in 2019, which should bring suitors for him in free agency. But he’d prefer to stay put.

If you watched Bears defensive tackle Nick Williams this season, you wouldn’t have known he was a veteran that suddenly burst onto the NFL scene in his seventh season.

Williams had a career season with the Bears, where he stepped up when his team needed him as they dealt with injuries on the defensive line with Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols. And Williams didn’t just play good — he played great in all 16 games he appeared in, including five starts.

“The way it happened, nobody could’ve wrote a better story,” Williams said. “Being on the street in ’17 and the Bears giving me a shot in ’18, coming back here in ’19 and actually being able to contribute to the team and play the way that I did. I just wanted to gain the respect of my teammates and let the organization and the coaches know that they made a good decision in bringing me in.”

Williams finished the season with 42 total tackles, including five for loss, as well as six sacks. This season has certainly opened many eyes to Williams, which bodes well for him in free agency. But Williams would prefer to remain in Chicago.

“I think I’m gonna have fun in free agency this year,” said Williams. “We’ll see what happens in the future. Obviously, I want to be back here. I want to be a Bear. I love this organization. They’ve afforded me a lot of great opportunities. I like this locker room. I like my teammates. We’ll see what happens.”

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Bears defense forces 2 turnovers in 1st quarter

After failing to force a turnover in the previous four games, the Bears defense has forced two in the first quarter against the Vikings.

After failing to mount a takeaway in their previous four games, the Bears defense had two in the first quarter against the Vikings.

Things didn’t look good for the Bears defense on the Vikings’ opening possession when third-string running back Mike Boone cranked off a 59-yard run on the first play of the series.

With the Vikings on Chicago’s 16 yard-line, backup quarterback Sean Mannion tossed the ball to Boone, which was bobbled and fumbled, It was recovered by defensive tackle Bilal Nichols.

Then on Minnesota’s second possession, Mannion was picked off by linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis on the Vikings’ 39-yard line.

The Bears offense has only managed two Eddy Pineiro field goals off those takeaways and lead the Vikings 6-0 in the second quarter.

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Bears DT Akiem Hicks, CB Prince Amukamara questionable vs. Chiefs

The Bears released their final injury report ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Chiefs, and DT Akiem Hicks and CB Prince Amukamara are questionable.

The Chicago Bears released their final injury report ahead of Sunday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, and two defensive starters are questionable.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who returned last week against the Packers after battling a dislocated elbow suffered in Week 5, seemed to reaggregate the injury last Sunday.

Hicks was a full participant in practice all week and wasn’t listed on the injury report. He was designated a questionable status on Friday, but Bears coach Matt Nagy expects him to play against the Chiefs.

Cornerback Prince Amukamara is also questionable for Sunday as he deals with a hamstring injury suffered against the Lions in Week 13. Amukamara started last week’s game against the Packers, but reserve Kevin Toliver also saw playing time in his place.

Amukamara was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, and his status is in question for Sunday. If that’s the case, Toliver would make his third career start.

Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols was limited Friday, as he usually is when the Bears practice indoors.

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Bears Injury Report: Prince Amukamara held out of Tuesday’s practice

The Bears’ injury report lists CB Prince Amukamara still out with a hamstring injury, as well as DT Bilal Nichols, who was limited Tuesday.

The Chicago Bears (6-6) released their Tuesday injury report ahead of Thursday’s primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys (6-6).

For the second straight day, cornerback Prince Amukamara missed practice with a hamstring injury. If Amukamara can’t go for Thursday’s game, Kevin Toliver will likely start in his place.

Wide receiver Taylor Gabriel and tight end Ben Braunecker remain in concussion protocol and appear doubtful for Thursday night. In that case, Chicago will turn to some of its young prospects in second-year receiver Javon Wims and rookie tight end Jesper Horsted.

Defensive tackle Bilal Nichols popped up on Tuesday’s injury report, although Tuesday’s practice is essentially a Friday practice for the Bears. Nichols is typically limited given they practice indoors. He should be good to go against Dallas.

Right tackle Bobby Massie remains out with a high-ankle sprain that’s likely to sideline him for a few weeks. Linebacker Danny Trevathan also remains out with an elbow injury.

Injury designations will be revealed on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s game against the Cowboys, and it doesn’t look good for those besides Nichols on the injury report.