:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67555632/usa_today_14992769.0.jpg)
While the fourth-quarter comeback led by Nick Foles stole the headlines after the Bears’ win against the Falcons on Sunday, the team’s pass rush quietly may have been their best unit of the game.
The Bears tallied just two sacks, but with eight quarterback hits and numerous pressure, they were a constant nuisance to Matt Ryan in the pocket. Akiem Hicks came away with 1.5 sacks and a whopping five quarterback hits, while Mack contributed half of a sack and two hits of his own. Other players like Roy Robertson-Harris, Bilal Nichols and Mario Edwards Jr. also had their fair share of nice reps against the pass.
Chicago’s defensive line wasn’t perfect, as it did struggle with eating up gaps and getting moved around at the point of attack in run support. Their off-ball linebackers also had some issues with disengaging from climbing blockers at the second level.
However, their performance up front against the pass played a big role in their eventual victory. With Mack playing at an elite level, Hicks looking like a potential All-Pro, Robert Quinn making some solid plays and the rest of the roster proving to be a deep and dangerous group, the Bears’ defense is looking like a dangerous unit.
I recently went to the tape and broke down a couple reps that showcased just how well the Bears’ pass rush did against Atlanta in the thread below:
THREAD: The #Bears’ pass rush was on another level on Sunday, and while they only ended up with two sacks, the guys up front played a massive role in their comeback win.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
The #Bears rush seven here, and the Falcons make one crucial error in pass protection: leaving Khalil Mack one-on-one with a TE.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
His explosiveness and flexibility on the rip beat Hurst off the edge. Hicks fights through a double-team and execute a rip to join in on the sack. pic.twitter.com/z1YlvrujHz
Mack lines up as a wide-9 here, which Pagano has used to take advantage of his speed. His ability to get low and take sharp pursuit angles may be the best in the NFL.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
The play got wiped away for penalties, but another textbook speed rush for Mack on the six-man rush. #Bears pic.twitter.com/W8qs4YCpq5
Atlanta used the bold strategy of flat out not blocking Khalil Mack, and that’s doesn’t work out well for them.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
I doubt Matt Ryan would’ve hit a guy checkdown guy with the #Bears LBs doing their job in coverage here, but even a chip from the TE could’ve given him some more time. pic.twitter.com/X4G8n3CqLF
This was a really nice power rush from Mario Edwards at the 3T spot. While the LG is able to stay low, it’s Edwards’ constant hand fighting and pure lower-body power that allows him to push the pocket here. #Bears pic.twitter.com/aqMQGdYwT8
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
Another really nice power rush from the 3T, this time from Roy Robertson-Harris. RRH’s ability to get his weight underneath him and his hands inside puts the LG on his heels, driving him back with ease. #Bears pic.twitter.com/lfk34ROWJg
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
The #Bears’ alignment here practically forces the Falcons to guard Mack and Hicks one-on-one and it works perfectly.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
Mack’s speed off the edge is too much for a backup RT to counter, and Hicks uses a nasty arm-over to knock the RG off balance and showcases agility in pursuit. pic.twitter.com/H8LXjLtN3M
Hicks is simply too powerful to be blocked one-on-one. Staying low, chopping his feet and good hand placement makes this a textbook power rush at the 2T.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
Also, notice Mack’s INSANE bend to recover when over-pursuing. Very nice agility from RRH, too. #Bears pic.twitter.com/mFqViApdKS
Hicks starts off as the 4T over the RT here but shows nice agility in springing over to attack the RG’s outside shoulder. His arm-over and active hands allows him to penetrate the backfield.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
Also watch RRH bully the LG with the bull rush—he was quietly really good Sunday. #Bears pic.twitter.com/udhnu6FvrJ
Without this pressure, there’s a strong chance Ryan hits this throw since Jaylon Johnson got beat deep.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
Akiem Hicks showcases incredible agility for a 352-pound man on the stunt, while Bilal Nichols also does a great job of getting low on the rip and churning his legs. #Bears pic.twitter.com/3dniEvRD7X
Final #Bears defensive line takeaways:
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 29, 2020
- Akiem Hicks is playing at an All-Pro level
- Khalil Mack is still a force of nature
- Roy Robertson-Harris is going to get PAID this offseason
- Bilal Nichols and Mario Edwards bring underrated pass-rushing value