The Chicago Bears' transition from playing a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 base ailment was not a simple one. Chicago's defense, coached by the respected Vic Fangio, struggled to make impactful plays. The Bears finished 2015 with only 35 sacks and eight interceptions. On paper, the defense looks better in 2016 after the offseason additions of linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman and defensive lineman Akiem Hicks. Chicago also used the ninth overall pick on Georgie outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, whom the jury is still out on. The Bears also drafted potential future contributors in defensive end Jonathan Bullard, cornerback Deiondre Hall and safety Deon Bush.
Chicago Bears defense/special teams
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 43 sacks, 12 interceptions, 3 touchdowns
Over or under: I’ll take the over in sacks. Between Willie Young, Lamarr Houston, Pernell McPhee (knee issues), Eddie Goldman, Hicks, Bullard, and maybe Floyd, the Bears can do a better job of pressuring the quarterback. I think 44 sacks is realistic. But I’ll take the under in interceptions and touchdowns. The Bears lack impact players in the secondary. And Kyle Fuller, who led the Bears with a whopping two picks in 2015, is battling knee problems. Plus, the return game is just OK. Maybe they score one touchdowns, but over three is pushing it. I don’t see a young Devin Hester walking through that door anytime soon. Or a young Dave Toub for that matter.
