Frequently Asked Questions
Why couldn't the Chicago Bears get pressure on the quarterback against Cincinnati?
The Bears' starting defense struggled to generate any pass rush during their lone drive against the Bengals, even when blitzing. Cincinnati's backups converted multiple third-and-10-plus situations, exposing how thin Chicago's edge rusher depth really is.
Who is Marcus Davenport and why did the Bears sign him?
Marcus Davenport is a 29-year-old former first-round pick who was an effective edge rusher earlier in his career, especially under Dennis Allen in New Orleans. The Bears signed him because, despite three injury-plagued seasons, he's still a better option than the rest of their depth at the position.
Did Montez Sweat play against the Bengals in the preseason?
Yes, Montez Sweat played in the preseason game against Cincinnati, but his performance wasn't nearly effective enough to ease concerns about the Bears' pass rush.
What did the Bears do in the offseason to address their pass rush problem?
The Bears' only notable moves were signing a handful of cheaper free agents and drafting a defensive tackle in the 6th round — they did not add any edge rushers, betting that better health and coaching would be enough.
Could the Bears make a trade to fix their pass rush depth?
A trade is considered their only real solution, but that option likely won't open up until late October. Even then, it figures to be expensive, and the Bears are currently short on both draft picks and salary cap space.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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