The Chicago Bears defense appeared beyond tired in Monday night’s collapse to the Minnesota Vikings in their season opener, but it appears that reinforcements are on their way to solidify the unit this weekend.
In Week 1, three of Chicago’s top defensive stars were missing as linebacker T.J. Edwards, along with cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, were all held out due to injuries. Facing the Detroit Lions in Week 2 means the Bears will need to have their defense as healthy as possible as they get ready to take on a high-powered offense.
In their regular season opener, Detroit struggled to put up points against the Green Bay Packers, who featured their new superstar pass rusher, Micah Parsons. Getting their best players back on the field will be critical for Chicago, so will these keys when they take on the Lions offense.
Shut down running game
Since drafting Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, Detroit has had a two-headed monster rushing attack along with former Bear, David Montgomery. Vikings starter Aaron Jones struggled to get things going on the ground for Minnesota in Week 1 against Chicago, but it was Jordan Mason and quarterback J.J. McCarthy who used their legs to gash the Bears defense. After totaling just 46 yards on the ground against Green Bay, Detroit could look to be more aggressive in the run game.
Contain Amon-Ra St. Brown
Chicago’s top cornerback Jaylon Johnson appears on track to return this week, and he’ll be needed against Detroit’s top wide receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown. The most dangerous weapon on the Lions offense has also circled this game, in taking on his former offensive coordinator in Ben Johnson, and has had 46 receptions and 515 yards in eight career games against the Bears. St. Brown was held to just 45 yards receiving against Green Bay last week, so just like their running game, look for Detroit to get their star receiver involved as often as possible.
Gervon Dexter’s continued rise
This offseason, the Bears made a plethora of moves to upgrade both their offense and defense, but they may have an underrated star who continues to fly under the radar in Gervon Dexter Sr. In the Week 1 loss to Minnesota, Dexter totaled three tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack, coming up to make big plays, especially early in the game when the defense was on fire. The arrivals of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo highlighted the additions to the defensive line, but just the presence of those two, makes offense have to focus elsewhere, allowing Dexter to get an advantage. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is highly respected for the work he’s done throughout the league, but pairing him with a player like Dexter could bring out the most in this young rising player on Chicago’s defensive line. But he might be without his running mate in Jarrett, who hasn’t practiced so far this week.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 keys for Bears defense vs. Lions in Week 2
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
