Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Chicago Bears defense utilizes a 4-3 Base base scheme under defensive coordinator Eric Washington. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Chicago Bears Defense?

The Chicago Bears haven't been playing great defense, sitting near the bottom at #23 in points allowed per game. For context, they are giving up 1.4 more points per game than the typical team.

In the NFC North, they are currently trailing the Minnesota Vikings (#7), Green Bay Packers (#11) and Detroit Lions (#22) in scoring defense.

This unit lacks a consistent pass rush and struggles to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. However, they have had difficulty generating takeaways, which puts more pressure on their offense.

1
Total Sacks
0
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (0 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Leading the charge in 2025 is Tremaine Edmunds, tallying 112 tackles, 1 sacks, and 4 interceptions on the season. Another bright spot in 2025 has been Jaquan Brisker, who has chipped in with 93 tackles, 1 sacks, and 1 interception.

What is the Chicago Bears defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Eric Washington

The Chicago Bears defense runs a 4-3 Base under coordinator Eric Washington.

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Base
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Eric Washington continues the 4-3 tradition, emphasizing zone discipline and hustle.

Key Principles

Zone CoverageHITS PrincipleFour-Man Rush

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Chicago Bears Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
0.7/g
Turnovers
POOR
0.2/g
Aggression
POOR
0.1/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
0.7
POOR
They disrupt the offense 0.7 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
0.2
POOR
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.2 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
0.1
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 0.1 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Chicago Bears defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
27.0 PPG(Last 3)
They are allowing +2.6 more points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Chicago Bears defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
DT
Andrew Billings
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableJan 11
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
S
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Safety
QuestionableJan 14
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Nick McCloud
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 14
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Amen Ogbongbemiga
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 13
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DE
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Defensive End
QuestionableJan 13
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
T.J. Edwards
Linebacker
Injured ReserveJan 13
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Zah Frazier
Cornerback
OutAug 27
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Dayo Odeyingbo
Defensive End
Injured ReserveNov 5
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Noah Sewell
Linebacker
Injured ReserveDec 31
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Terell Smith
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 24
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Shemar Turner
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveOct 29
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
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