In 1984, the Chicago Bears made history with a record-setting 72 sacks, cementing their place as one of the most formidable defensive units in NFL history. Fast forward to 2024, and the Bears’ defense is far from that glory.
Despite significant efforts by head coach Matt Eberflus and newly appointed defensive coordinator Eric Washington, Chicago’s pass rush still needs revitalization. With a glaring void to fill, one familiar name could bring the heat back to Soldier Field.
Chicago Bears’ Defensive Struggles
In recent seasons, the Bears’ defense has struggled to maintain pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team ranked dead last in the league in sacks in 2022, with just 20 quarterback takedowns, and only marginally improved in 2023 with 30 sacks, still among the league’s worst. The lack of consistent pressure left the secondary vulnerable, giving up a staggering 31 passing touchdowns last season.
Montez Sweat’s Arrival
General manager Ryan Poles recognized the issue, acquiring Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. Despite playing only nine games with the Bears, Sweat led the team with six sacks, but the defensive effort remained inadequate. Justin Jones, the team’s second-leading sack artist, signed with the Arizona Cardinals, leaving a significant gap.
The Chicago Bears and free-agent defensive end Yannick Ngakoue agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract Thursday #nfl #nflfootball #bears #chicago pic.twitter.com/sGx7NmS1Rq
— The Pitchsider NFL (@PitchsiderNfl) August 4, 2023
Yannick Ngakoue: A Familiar Face in Free Agency
The potential solution lies in the reunion with veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue. Despite only 13 games with Chicago last season, Ngakoue managed four sacks, demonstrating his ability to consistently apply pressure. With 69.0 career sacks and 21 forced fumbles to his name, he remains a proven commodity.
His experience with six different teams over eight years could offer the Bears the stability and expertise needed to bolster their defense.
A Case for Bringing Yannick Ngakoue Back
Ngakoue, just 29 years old, could be instrumental in rejuvenating the Bears’ pass rush. A second consecutive season in the same uniform could help maximize his impact and build synergy with the current roster. Pairing Ngakoue with Sweat on the defensive line could turn Chicago’s pass rush into a dual-threat force, while also providing mentorship to rookie defensive end Austin Booker.
The Path Forward
While the Bears have made strides offensively, their defensive shortcomings need to be addressed if they are to compete effectively. Reuniting with Yannick Ngakoue in free agency could provide a low-risk, high-reward solution. As Chicago seeks to reestablish its defensive legacy, Ngakoue might just be the missing piece to recapturing some of that 1984 magic.
