In their first match against the Green Bay Packers, they allowed a concerning 9-of-16 third downs to be converted (56%). This trend continued into the second week where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed an 8-of-15 third-down conversion rate (53%). This means that Chicago's defense has been allowing third-down conversions at an alarming rate of 55% (ranking them 30th in the NFL) – a statistic that doesn't bode well.
The Buccaneers exploited these weaknesses during their recent victory, capitalizing on third-down situations. The defense consistently failed to halt the Buccaneers' progress, even in longer third-down scenarios, exemplified by Mike Evans' 30-yard touchdown during a third-and-14 situation.
Brad Spielberger from Pro Football Focus provided an even grimmer analysis of the Bears' third and fourth down pass defense. The numbers are concerning: the Bears have allowed an 87% completion rate (20-of-23) in these situations, with a total of 282 yards and three touchdowns, and an astonishing pass rating of 157.3 allowed. Moreover, eight of these completions have been for 15 yards or more.
The pass rush of the Bears, considered among the least effective in the NFL, has managed a meager single sack over two games. This gives opposing quarterbacks ample time to settle, take aim, and unleash on the Chicago secondary. This issue is further exacerbated given the present lineup of their defensive backs: veterans Jaylon Johnson and Jaquan Brisker, rookie Tyrique Stevenson, the third nickel option Greg Stroman Jr., and backup safety Elijah Hicks. In such scenarios, a robust defensive line performance is paramount.
The Bears' defensive woes have been glaringly evident in these two weeks. And with an upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs, things don't seem to be getting any easier. Despite the Chiefs not having scored above 20 points this season, they might just find the Bears' defense the perfect opportunity to break that trend.
