PFF ranks the Bears’ defensive line as one of the worst in the NFL. Read the explanation why originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
O Bears have improved their roster in nearly every area as they turn the page from rebuilders to postseason hopefuls, but a group of football data analysts believe one key position group is falling behind. On Tuesday, the PFF released its rankings of the best defensive line units in the NFL, and placed the Bears 27th out of 32 teams.
“Chicago’s defensive line has improved enormously with the addition of Sweat Montez, who provided a real and consistent source of pressure after the team traded for him at the deadline,” wrote Sam Monson for PFF. “Sweat recorded 64 quarterback pressures last season, but the Bears’ defensive line will be determined by the Year 2 growth of defensive tackles Gervon Dexter It is Zach Pickens. Dexter showed playmaking ability as a rookie, but the Bears need more from him in 2024.”
The Bears’ defensive line was one of the worst in the NFL before Sweat’s arrival, and he instantly raised the group’s profile, not only with the pressure he created, but how he opened things up for his teammates.
In the eight games before Sweat joined the team, the Bears had just 10 sacks and six interceptions. In the nine games after Sweat’s arrival, they doubled and nearly tripled that production, with 20 sacks and 16 interceptions. Only six of those 20 bags also belonged to Sweat.
But the Bears subtracted more pass rush production this offseason than they added. Last year’s three-way starting coach, Justin Jones, is with the Cardinals now, and starting defensive end Yannick Ngakoue remains an undrafted free agent. GM Ryan Poles added some rotation-caliber players and a project prospect in Austin Booker, but no one with a history of serious sack numbers.
As things stand, DeMarcus Walker is the man in line to start alongside Sweat at defensive end. He played well during stretches of last season, both as a starter and as a rotation player. There is reason to believe that Walker can play even better in 2024, as he will work alongside Sweat for a full season, but there isn’t a lot of depth behind him. As Monson mentioned, the Bears will count on Dexter and Pickens to make a big leap in year two to help hurt the interior of the pocket. Otherwise, opposing defenders may have an easier time avoiding edge pressure when moving forward, or Matt Eberflus will have to use blitzers to make up the difference.
Last year, Walker recorded 3.5 sacks, Dexter had 2.5 and Pickens assisted 0.5. Newcomer Jacob Martin had 2.0 sacks with the Colts.
