Bears’ third down defense has been abysmal through two games

The Chicago Bears defense has struggled mightily through the first two games of the 2023 NFL season, especially on third down.

In Week 1, the Green Bay Packers converted 9-of-16 third downs (56%). Then in Week 2, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers converted 8-of-15 third downs (53%). Through two games, Chicago is allowing teams to convert on third down 55% of the time (30th in NFL), which is not ideal.

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During Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers, the Bears defense could not get off the field on third down, especially in third-and-long situations. Whether that was allowing drives to continue when they shouldn’t have or giving up back-breaking touchdowns (Mike Evans scoring a 30-yard touchdown on third-and-14).

Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger took it a step further with how the Bears defense has fared against the pass on third and fourth down. And it isn’t pretty.

Chicago’s defense against the pass has allowed 20-of-23 completions (87%) for 282 yards and three touchdowns with a 157.3 pass rating allowed. There have been eight completions of 15-plus yards during that span.

Bears defense against the pass on 3rd/4th down:

– 20/23 (87%), 282 yards (12.3 Y/A), 3 TDs

– Eight 15+ yard receptions allowed

– 1.012 EPA/dropback allowed (32nd by about double lol)

– 157.3 passer rating allowed

— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) September 18, 2023

Where to point the finger? The better question is where not to point the finger?

The Bears’ pass rush remains arguably the worst in the NFL through the first two weeks, where they’ve totaled just one sack (coming in Week 1). Opposing quarterbacks have all day to get comfortable in the pocket, and they’re taking it out on Chicago’s secondary. There’s additional pressure on the defensive backs, who are down to Jaylon Johnson (veteran), Jaquan Brisker (veteran), Tyrique Stevenson (rookie), Greg Stroman Jr. (third nickel option) and Elijah Hicks (backup safety). That’s where you need your defensive line to step up.

The Bears defense is a huge concern through the first two weeks, and things won’t get easier when they head to Kansas City to battle the Chiefs. While Kansas City hasn’t scored more than 20 points this season, that could change against this Chicago defense.