Limiting Explosives the Bears Defensive Aim

The Bears have come a long way as a secondary at stopping explosive passes.

Apparently, after Sunday's 20-17 loss to Cleveland, they've still go more work to do.

They were in the bottom three for fewest explosive plays allowed in the first three weeks of the season but have gradually improved and now have allowed the eighth fewest pass plays of 20 yards or longer and the fifth-fewest explosive runs. Overall, they are tied for fewest explosive plays allowed according to the count posted by analyst Arjun Menon.

Still, the Bears defense gave up four of those at the worst possible time on Sunday, in the fourth quarter. They allowed 57-yard, 51-yard, 42-yard, 34-yard and 31-yard receptions. They 57-yarder was to one of their own former players, Marquise Goodwin. The 51-yarder was the Amari Cooper touchdown.

"So, that play is a deep crossing route," Eberflus said. "Obviously, the corner has to make a good vision and break. Break one-third the distance when the ball is in the air."

Cooper caught it 24 yards downfield but took it the rest of the way on his own without anyone tackling him.

"We got to do a good job of getting him on the ground," Eberflus said. "A lot of times what you do is you track the ball and not understand where the reception area is, and they got to do a good job of understanding where it is and get him on the ground."

For a game when they had so many explosive plays allowed, the Bears came out with strong coverage grades from Pro Football Focus. Tyrique Stevenson had a spectacular interception near the goal line and had his third-highest PFF grade of the year.

Jaylon Johnson and Tremaine Edmunds were 1-2 and linebacker T.J. Edwards joined them with grades in the 70s. Only safety Eddie Jackson had a coverage grade below 60 on the entire defense, and Jackson had a pick.

Still, the big plays hurt their chances.

"It wasn't really much that they were doing different," Edmunds said. "Just eliminating explosive plays, which we preach day in and day out. That's what good defenses, that's what good teams always preach.

"You want to eliminate explosive plays, and you want to get explosive plays on offense. That's the key to success. That's the key to victory. They had a couple of big plays to hurt us, plays that we definitely wished that we had back. And that was probably the difference in the ballgame."

It's a case of simply doing what they have been doing and working through the occasional bumps in the road.

Since Montez Sweat arrived to provide pass rush, they are second in the league in fewest explosive plays allowed. It's only going to get better as his comfort with their scheme increases.

"I mean, I think the tape speaks for itself," Edmunds said. "Not just on the field though. I think his leadership is good. Like his presence is felt just you know, in the building, in the meeting rooms. I think guys gravitate towards him. I think guys gravitate towards his leadership.

"And just having his energy around, you know what I mean? Like, his energy is contagious. You can feel that. Not just on the field but off the field as well."

Montez's sacks are pretty good too and with more, there will be fewer attempts at passes, period, let alone attempts at explosive pass plays.

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