Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: Finding The Defensive Flash Point

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrates after Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is tackled during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

There are many different ways to build a great defense in the NFL. The Chicago Bears should know this give how many they’ve had over the years.

Once again they are embarking on a quest to have another. This time it’s young GM Ryan Pace leading the way with veteran head coach John Fox providing the guidelines for what types of players he’s looking for. There isn’t a singular method to building a defense. Some go by scheme type. Certain teams want a strong secondary. Others prefer a loaded front seven. Both have met with positive results.

What it comes down to is something called a “flash point.” It’s not an actual football terms, but it offers a choice of words to describe that exact moment when a good defense transformed into a great one. How can one pinpoint such a thing? Easy. Identify when the team finally managed to pair a top pass rusher with a top corner.

It sounds simple but is far from easy. Few teams are able to accomplish that goal at any given time. The Bears did in 2010 when they landed Julius Peppers to go along with Pro Bowl corner Charles Tillman. As a result the defense jumped from 21st in points allowed to 4th. Need further proof? Let’s take a look around the league at the top defenses and see if we can find their flash points.

Nov 16, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) celebrates a fumble recovery with Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Texans beat the Browns 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

HOUSTON TEXANS: 2011

The year began well for the Texans when they managed to haul in a quality free agent from the Cincinnati Bengals in cornerback Johnathan Joseph. He had nine interceptions across his two previous seasons before joining the team. Then things hit overdrive when the team scooped up Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt in the draft. With their arrival the team jumped from 29th in points allowed to 4th.

DENVER BRONCOS: 2011

Another defense that got their spark that year. For Denver it of course began with #2 overall pick Von Miller. It was clear to everybody he was a future stud pass rusher. What nobody knew at the time was the premier corner would arrive from an almost polar opposite direction. Chris Harris Jr. arrived as an undrafted free agent from Kansas. Their presence turned the 32nd ranked defense into the 24th in one year and then the 4th by the second.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: 2011

Sensing a pattern here yet? Can it really be a coincidence that three of the best defenses in the NFL were hatched in the same year? Well the Seattle Seahawks can say they were part of it. Their case is a bit more unique. They had their pass rusher in place with veteran defensive end Chris Clemons. It was the overlooked drafting of cornerback Richard Sherman out of Stanford that soon caught peoples’ attention. The defense went from 25th the year before to 7th that season. Then when Clemons was supplanted by Michael Bennett in 2013, they moved up to 1st overall.

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) runs as Chicago Bears outside linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) defends during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The point of emphasis here is whether or not the Chicago Bears have met those two critical requirements. Did they find a top flight pass rusher and do they have a true cover corner? Leonard Floyd has shown some early promise to the former. He was active, athletic and explosive in his debut against Houston and share a sack with Eddie Goldman. As he learns to use his hands and improves his strength, he should only get better.

7. Leonard Floyd is Vic Fangio's new toy. The #Bears rookie was everywhere. To me, it was his coverage versatility that made him a starter.

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) September 12, 2016

It’s the corner question that is much foggier at this point. Kyle Fuller was drafted two years ago for a different defense. He just doesn’t seem like the guy this new coaching staff is looking for. Tracy Porter was never that sort of option. That leaves rookie 4th round pick Deiondre Hall. He has promised to be sure, but never had the look of a true one-on-one type who can follow the top receiver wherever he goes.

So barring an unexpected twist, there is still work to do. The Chicago Bears won’t be the defense the fans want them to be until both those requirements are met. If it takes consistent 1st round picks to accomplish it, then that is what they must do. Building something intricate like a top defense is not an overnight thing. It’s a process that requires a foundation. They haven’t found theirs quite yet.