{"id":193501,"date":"2024-10-09T10:00:46","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T14:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=193501"},"modified":"2024-10-09T01:05:19","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T05:05:19","slug":"bears-secondary-flapping-their-hands-and-dominating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/10\/09\/bears-secondary-flapping-their-hands-and-dominating\/","title":{"rendered":"Bears Secondary \u2018Flapping Their Hands,’ Dominating on the Field"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears boast a formidable defense. With star players on all three levels, the defense has kept every opponent under 21 points in 11 straight games,<\/a> the longest active streak in the NFL. However, what\u2019s surprising is that the linebacking unit, often considered the team’s strength,<\/a> hasn\u2019t been the focal point of the defense this season. Instead, the secondary has been stealing the spotlight, consistently “flapping their hands” and dominating on the field.<\/p>\n

Bears Secondary \u2018Flapping Their Hands,’ Dominating on the Field<\/h2>\n

Through Five Weeks, the Bears Have the Best Secondary in the NFL<\/h3>\n

The Bears rank third in the NFL in takeaways<\/a> with 11. What’s more impressive is that according to Football Insights, the Bears lead the NFL in terms of team coverage rates.<\/a> Coverage rates are measured by EPA, which stands for estimated points added. While EPA is often associated with quarterback performance, it works differently for the secondary. A positive EPA benefits quarterbacks, but a lower or negative EPA is desirable for the secondary. Football Insights calculated each team\u2019s EPA based on six different defensive formations. The Bears topped the list with a -0.25 EPA. For comparison, the Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a> came in last with an EPA of 0.29.<\/p>\n

The Players Behind the NFL\u2019s Top Secondary<\/h3>\n

The Bears’ secondary has enjoyed the advantage of a mostly healthy starting lineup, with the exception of strong safety Jaquan Brisker, who suffered a concussion against the Carolina Panthers.<\/a> Despite this, Brisker is having a breakout third season, recording 40 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception.<\/a> Free safety Kevin Byard, who joined from the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> in the offseason, has quickly become a team leader. He snagged his first interception against the Panthers and is currently the sixth-highest-graded safety in the league, according to PFF (85.9).<\/a><\/p>\n

While the safeties have garnered a lot of attention, the cornerbacks have also been impressive. Former Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro Jaylon Johnson<\/a> has continued his lockdown role from last season, with two interceptions and a passer rating of 33.1 when targeted.<\/a> Second-year starter Tyrique Stevenson has shown significant growth, tallying 26 total tackles, one interception, and allowing just 43 yards.<\/a> And third-year cornerback Kyler Gordon<\/a> has been relatively quiet this season, but he’s still a vital part in playing as the Bears’ starting nickel corner. Altogether, the Bears’ secondary is sixth in the NFL in passing yards allowed<\/a> at an average of 174 yards.<\/p>\n

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.@JaquanBrisker<\/a> knocks it loose and #DaBears<\/a> take it away!<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfa: #CARvsCHI<\/a> on FOX
\ud83d\udcf1: https:\/\/t.co\/waVpO8ZBqG<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/nHG3SzrjTG<\/a><\/p>\n

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n