Frequently Asked Questions
How did Daniel Hardy perform against the Atlanta Falcons?
In his first career start, Daniel Hardy collected 6 pressures and a sack against the Falcons. What made it even more impressive is that he matched his previous season totals of 6 pressures in 11 fewer snaps.
Why did the Bears have to rely on Daniel Hardy against the Falcons?
The Bears went into Atlanta without Montez Sweat, who was serving a suspension, and Dayo Odeyingbo, who was out with a quad injury. With two key pass rushers unavailable, Hardy was thrust into the starting lineup.
Who else stepped up for the Bears pass rush against Atlanta?
Cornerback Kyler Gordon was a standout, notching 3 of the Bears' 5 sacks on Michael Penix as a blitzer. Hardy also contributed heavily alongside Gordon's unexpected pass-rush production.
How could Daniel Hardy's performance affect the Bears' trade deadline plans?
If Hardy continues to play well against New England, the Bears' brass may feel their edge rusher situation is not as dire as previously thought. That could shift GM Ryan Poles' trade deadline focus toward cornerback depth instead, given the coverage issues caused by Jaylon Johnson's struggles and Tyrique Stevenson's injury.
What is Daniel Hardy's background before becoming a Bear?
Hardy was a 7th round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 out of a small college, but his rookie season was derailed by injury and he was eventually cut in August of 2023. The Bears picked him up and he developed into one of their best special teams players before getting his shot on defense.
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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